Trinity Rodman’s NWSL Debut vs Father Dennis Rodman’s NBA Debut

Without a doubt, Trinity Rodman is ready to establish a similar legacy just like her father in the NBA. It has been a while since Dennis Rodman, her father retired. While the FIFA Women’s World Cup is approaching, Trinity Rodman needs to still cement her spot in the starting XI of the USWNT. However, an unfortunate injury to Mallory Swanson has hopefully paved the way for the young soccer star.

Dennis Rodman started his NBA career ages ago with the Detroit Pistons in 1986. In this article, let us take a look at the first season of the father and daughter’s respective careers.

Trinity Rodman and her glorious NWSL debut with the Washington Spirits

At that time, Trinity Rodman became the youngest player to be drafted in NWSL history. The soccer star decided to turn professional without ever playing for a college team. While being the overall second, Rodman was Washington Spirit’s first overall pick of the 2021 NWSL draft.

On April 10, 2021, the world witnessed a supreme young talent making her debut in the professional soccer universe. She burst onto the scene for the first time in an NWSL Challenge Cup game. She became an instant fan favorite as she scored within the first five minutes of her time on the pitch. Considering her lack of experience, she didn’t start the game. However, her debut minutes were still special as didn’t take time to open her career’s goals tally.

The Beginning of Dennis Rodman’s NBA legacy

Dennis Rodman made himself first available for the NBA drafts in 1986. The Detroit Pistons were happy enough to roll the dice on the rare talent. Despite creating a legacy for himself in the NBA universe, his debut game was rather not worth the recall.

During his first game, Rodman came off the bench to replace John Salley. The ferocious defender was on the field for about fourteen minutes. However, those couple of minutes were definitely not the most exciting for him. During his debut cameo, he managed to score no points while successfully gathering only two rebounds.

Goals, assists and other features Trinity Rodman claimed in her first NWSL season

After her inaugural NWSL season, Trinity Rodman managed to score seven goals. She was Washington Spirit’s second-highest scorer of the season. Additionally, she also contributed seven assists to her team’s tally. At just the age of 19, Rodman became the youngest player to assist a goal in the playoffs.

Along with that, she also won the NWSL Rookie of the Year in 2021. She also managed to get a spot in the NWSL Best XI of the Season. Trinity Rodman also won the US Soccer Young Player of the Year in 2021.

Dennis Rodman’s rookie year stats in the NBA

While his debut game wasn’t the brightest, Rodman slotted quite well into the team. During his first season, he averaged 6.5 points, and 4.7 rebounds during his hardcore defensive display for fifteen minutes in every game.

READ MORE: Trinity Rodman vs Dennis Rodman: Father-Daughter’s First Contracts Compared

Trinity Rodman and her debut NWSL championship win

While being Washington Spirit’s second-highest scorer of the season, Rodman also helped out key moments. More than anything, she was very impactful with her performances during her first season. In the playoff final, Rodman assisted Kelley O’Hara’s winner against Chicago Red Stars. Washington Spirit ended up winning the game 2-1.

The NWSL newcomer had put on a brave display on the right wing for the entire 120 minutes of the final. Also, during this season she made her USWNT debut too. Her debut season was truly a season to remember.

Rightly so, her team awarded her for impeccable efforts during the first season. She started the 2022 NWSL season with a unique record under her belt. After just her first season, Rodman earned herself a contract extension till 2024 with an option to further extend for another year. That new $1.1 million deal also made her the highest-paid player in the NWSL history.

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Without a doubt, Trinity Rodman will definitely manage to establish a legacy for herself, just like her father’s legacy on the court. While this is just her third season in the NWSL, she has already become a global presence in the women’s soccer universe.