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via Getty

via Getty

Dennis Rodman is a very popular name in the NBA universe. Whenever there is a discussion about the legendary Bull-Pistons rivalry, the name of Dennis Rodman comes up along with the names of Michael Jordan and Isiah Thomas. Rodman made himself one of the key players of the Detroit Pistons and helped them win the league for the first time in 1989. The Pistons also won the championship the following year, with Rodman becoming the Defensive Player of the Year. He further clinched the title of the Defensive Player of the Year in 1991. Rodman in the ’30 for 30: Bad Boys’ documentary revealed how he didn’t care for the award after he got praise from his coach Chuck Daly.

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There was a time in the NBA when only the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics would dominate the league. However, in the 80s, the Detroit Pistons also reinforced their squad with the introduction of Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars. Dennis Rodman, drafted in 1986, became a cherry on top for the Pistons. With this trio, they went on to challenge the Lakers and finally their hand in the championship in 1989. Not to forget, they also dominated the famous Bulls-Pistons until 1991 and earned the nickname of ‘Bad Boys’.

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Dennis Rodman reflects on his first DPOY award

From the mid-80s to the start of the 90s, Rodman was an important figure of the Pistons. The Worm won the Defensive Player of the Year award for the first time in 1990. He revealed in his ’30 for 30: Bad Boys’ documentary how he cried after getting the award in 1990.

Chuck Daly, former coach of the Pistons, in a press conference said, “I don’t know if we have a more valuable player than Dennis Rodman.” Rodman revealed how he was overwhelmed with the praise from his coach who he looked upon as a father-figure. The Worm further stated,? “They could have gave me a lollipop for the award, I didn’t care”.?

Rodman explained the reason for his statement by describing how the honors from his teammates and coach pleased him so that he didn’t care what he got for the award. Rodman finished off by saying that he owed the award to everybody on the squad.

Career history of the Worm

Dennis Rodman is one of the greatest rebounders in the history of basketball. He drew attention with his rebounding and got compared with the likes of Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Moses Malone.

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Rodman was one of the key figures for any team he played for. Having five championships under his name, he is considered one of the best to ever grace the court.

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However, Rodman was also infamous for his off-the-court antics, like multiple haircuts, tattoos, and piercings. And most importantly, several tumultuous relationships with the likes of Carmen Electra and Madonna. He wanted to be an entertainer despite being an outstanding athlete on the court.