The Chicago Bulls was home to Dennis Rodman. Although the “Bad Boy” played for several teams, including the Pistons, he shined the brightest as a player with the Bulls. While bringing out his best on the court was challenging for many, former Chicago Bulls coaches Phil Jackson and Tex Winter thought otherwise. Jackson had his unique way with the players. Watching Jackson’s exceptional run with Bulls in The Last Dance series, Coach Sam Cassell reflected on the valuable lesson he learned.

Cassell noted that many on the roster, including Rodman and Michael Jordan, shared how Jackson took the time to understand each player both on and off the court. Something that he has tried emulating as well. “The Last Dance, I seen Phil Jackson and Dennis Rodman. They just vibing and Dennis said he took the time to know who I am off this court. He took the time to find out who I am off the court. I heard Michael Jordan said about took the time to find out who I am off this court, was on the court, I’m gonna be who I am, find out who I am,” Cassell said, via The Draymond Green Show. 

“So, Phil knew the right buttons to push with Dennis, ran who was back then was a wild boy,” The Bulls went on to win six championship titles, an achievement that wouldn’t have been possible without such strong team spirit. 

The Netflix series highlighted the special bond between the Bulls’ head coach and the players. The Bulls acquired Rodman after trading Will Perdue to the Spurs. Rodman was eccentric and his “bad boy” persona and antics quickly made him a fan favorite.

The coaches had just one rule when it came to The Worm.

Phil Jackson and the Chicago Bulls accepted Dennis Rodman just the way he was

Winning championships alongside Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and others, Rodman was crucial to their success. Jackson was well aware that Rodman was very individualistic. He acknowledged that The Worm valued his freedom and self-expression above all else and allowed the Chicago Bulls legend to be himself off the court.

“He believes in his own individual nature. He likes to have freedom and the expression that he has. We think that’s O.K. as long as it stays within the team confines of playing ball together,” Jackson said in an interview with the New York Times. The 5x NBA champ loved clubbing and partying, and Jackson didn’t interfere with that. If anything, he encouraged the rest of the team to join Rodman. 

Steve Kerr once recalled how Jackson and teammate Jud Buechler asked him to go clubbing with Rodman. As a coach, Jackson made sure Rodman understood his responsibilities on the team. He explained that Rodman was simply fun to coach. This approach worked well for the Bulls’ who enjoyed global success in the 90s. 

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.