“I Don’t Respect Any Guys..”: Bulls Legend Dennis Rodman Once Accused Young NBA Stars Of Putting Money and Fame Before Work

Dennis Rodman, or better known as ‘The Worm’, is widely considered to be one of the best players people have seen. He was known for his rebounding as well as for being a team player. Rodman’s contribution to the Chicago Bulls catapulted them to major wins. With a great eye for detail, he has inspired many players to dominate on the court.

In an old interview, Rodman emphasized that he has played the game for the joy, and never for money. It is a thread that he has been vocal about for a long time.

He has never shied away from speaking his truth and has done so several times.

Dennis Rodman didn’t respect some players

Back in 1996, an interview with Michael Jordan and Dennis Rodman was aired. Rodman had talked about how he had no respect for the players that have been in the league for the last few years.

“I don’t respect any guys in the league.”

He continued in the same breath, “Because the guys here don’t respect the game of basketball”, he said.

He said other players respected the money, publicity, and stardom.

He sincerely felt that the players did not understand the purpose of the game, which was to entertain and develop self-esteem and confidence.

Rodman emphasized that respecting money had led them to not fulfill the purpose of the game.

Rodman respects the game

His former Pistons teammate, Isiah Thomas shared how Rodman’s work ethics went beyond the normal. He asked Rodman to join in for warm-ups and shooting. However, Rodman was just watching every player shooting through the hoops. Thomas asked him to join in for practice one more time. Rodman replied that he is watching how the basketball would rotate.

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That’s how much he was obsessed with the details. His ability to register whether the ball would spin sideways or bounce to either left or right was legendary.

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Thus, Rodman put hours after hours to perfect his skills. He was a horse with blinkers. He was passionate about basketball and nothing came above that.

What do you think about his NBA career?