Dennis Rodman

Arguably the best rebounding forward in NBA history

Dennis Keith Rodman (born May 13, 1961) is an American former professional basketball player. Renowned for his defensive and rebounding abilities, his biography on the official NBA website states that he is 'arguably the best rebounding forward in NBA history'. Nicknamed 'the Worm', he played for the Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Rodman played at the small forward position in his early years before becoming a power forward.

Quick Facts

Born: 13 May 1961
Birthplace: Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
High school: South Oak Cliff (Dallas, Texas)
College: North Central Texas (1983); Southeastern Oklahoma State (1983–1986)
Draft round: 2
Draft pick: 27
Drafted by: Detroit Pistons
Career position: Power forward; small forward

Lore & Background

Rodman experienced an unhappy childhood and was often described as shy and introverted in his early years. After contemplating suicide in 1993, he reinvented himself as a 'bad boy' and became notorious for numerous controversial antics. He repeatedly dyed his hair in artificial colors, had many piercings and tattoos, and regularly disrupted games by clashing with opposing players and officials. He famously wore a wedding dress to promote his 1996 autobiography Bad as I Wanna Be. Rodman also attracted international attention for his visits to North Korea and his subsequent befriending of the North Korean supreme leader Kim Jong Un in 2013.

Reader's Guide

In addition to being a former professional basketball player, Rodman has appeared in professional wrestling. He was a member of the nWo and fought alongside Hulk Hogan in the main event of two Bash at the Beach pay-per-views. He had his own TV show, The Rodman World Tour, and had starring roles in the action films Double Team (1997) and Simon Sez (1999). He appeared in several reality TV series and was the winner of the $222,000 main prize of the 2004 edition of Celebrity Mole.

Did You Know?

Rodman earned NBA All-Defensive First Team honors seven times and won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award twice.
In October 2021, Rodman was honored as one of the league's greatest players of all-time by being named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.