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Dennis Rodman on Michael Jordan And Chicago Bulls: “You got the greatest basketball player on the planet. The Second Greatest in Scottie Pippen. And then you got the devil.”
There probably will never be another organization that can say that they won six NBA championships, divided into two three-peats. The Chicago Bulls will always be one of the most iconic and legendary teams in the 90s. But it wasn’t just because of their achievements, but the NBA players that were on the roster. Two of the best wings, Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, along with an unusual addition of Dennis Rodman. But how did he eventually land up with the Bulls? And what does he feel about MJ and Scottie?
Dennis Rodman speaks highly of Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen
From left, Dennis Rodman, Scottie Pippen, Michael Jordan, Ron Harper and Toni Kukoc were big parts of Bulls teams that won three straight NBA titles from 1996 to 1998. Jordan and Pippen were members of the first “three-peat” team, which won titles from 1991 to 1993. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Of course, it was Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan who led the way for the Bulls to these titles. However, they also needed the right pieces around them for support. Rodman had just played for the Spurs for a brief two seasons when he was traded in 1995 to Chicago Bulls. Unfortunately, he was the last choice on their list.
They were actually looking at Derrick Coleman for the role that Rodman eventually filled in for. But what the Chicago Bulls did know was that Rodman was going to be a lot of work. And for him to be able to play at his full potential, they would have to let him be his unapologetic self.
It’s true that Rodman wasn’t the ideal teammate. He did show up for practices late, often got suspended from games, and all in all was a controversial character. However, Phil showed complete faith in him and let him do his job at his own pace. So, now that GQ is doing an entire segment on him, he had some great things to say about his former teammates.
“You got the greatest basketball player on the planet,” said the now 60-year-old Bulls legend, “the second greatest in Scottie Pippen, and then you got the devil.”
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Who gave him the nickname ‘The Devil’?
Basketball: San Antonio Spurs Dennis Rodman #10 w. David Robinson #50 during game. (Photo by Brian Drake/The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Images)
During his time with the San Antonio Spurs, Rodman was often criticized for his erratic and unusual behavior. In fact, it was the main reason why he became a problem for the Spurs, and was eventually traded. And none of his rebounding skills on the court were enough to justify what he did off it.
Neither the General Manager nor David Robinson was happy with him. It was because he did not go along with the way the organization worked, Robinson, as per Rodman, called him “The Devil”.
But Dennis couldn’t care less. He knew that he wasn’t paid to fit in, but to bring in victories, and that’s what mattered to him. Who knew that he would eventually find a place and the people that not only understood him but would help him reach the peak of his career.
The post Dennis Rodman on Michael Jordan And Chicago Bulls: “You got the greatest basketball player on the planet. The Second Greatest in Scottie Pippen. And then you got the devil.” appeared first on EssentiallySports.
