Career Timeline of Dennis Rodman: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Dennis Rodman, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Dennis Rodman is an American former professional basketball player, known as "the Worm". He is celebrated for his exceptional defensive skills and rebounding prowess, with some considering him the best rebounding forward in NBA history. Rodman played for several NBA teams, including the Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dallas Mavericks. He transitioned from playing small forward early in his career to power forward later on.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1983: Rodman joins Southeastern Oklahoma State University

In 1983, Dennis Rodman joined Southeastern Oklahoma State University and played basketball for three seasons.

1985: Rodman Leads NAIA in Rebounding

In 1985, Dennis Rodman led the NAIA in rebounding while playing for Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

1986: Rodman Leads NAIA in Rebounding Again

In 1986, Dennis Rodman again led the NAIA in rebounding and had a standout performance in the NAIA semifinals for Southeastern Oklahoma State University, scoring 46 points and grabbing 32 rebounds.

1986: Rodman drafted by Detroit Pistons

In 1986, Dennis Rodman was drafted by the Detroit Pistons as the third pick in the second round (27th overall).

1987: Pistons Bow Out of Playoffs Against Celtics

In 1987, the Detroit Pistons, including Dennis Rodman, lost to the Boston Celtics in a physically and mentally tough seven-game series in the playoffs. Rodman feuded and taunted Celtics guard Dennis Johnson.

1987: Improving Stats

In the 1987-88 season, Dennis Rodman steadily improved his stats.

1988: Continued Bench Role

During the 1988-89 NBA season, Dennis Rodman remained a bench player, contributing strong defense.

1989: Pistons Win NBA Finals

In 1989, Dennis Rodman and the Detroit Pistons swept the Boston Celtics, defeated the Chicago Bulls, and won the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. Rodman grabbed 19 rebounds in Game 3, despite back spasms.

1990: Rodman establishes himself as a player

During the 1990-91 NBA season, Dennis Rodman established himself as the starting small forward for the Detroit Pistons.

1990: Pistons Win Second Title

In 1990, Dennis Rodman won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award. The Pistons beat the Bulls again, and then defeated the Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA Finals, claiming their second title. Rodman played through an injured ankle.

1991: Rodman's Rebounding Leap

During the 1991-92 NBA season, Dennis Rodman made a remarkable leap in rebounding, averaging 18.7 rebounds per game and winning his first of seven consecutive rebounding crowns.

1991: Established as Top Rebounder

From 1991, Dennis Rodman established himself as one of the best rebounders of all time.

1991: Rodman Wins Second Defensive Player of the Year Award

In 1991, Dennis Rodman won his second Defensive Player of the Year Award while playing for the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons were swept by the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals.

March 4, 1992: Career-High Rebound Game

On March 4, 1992, Dennis Rodman had a career-high 34-rebound game.

March 1992: Rodman Grabs Career-High Rebounds

In March 1992, Dennis Rodman grabbed a career-high 34 rebounds in a single game.

1992: Daly's Resignation and Fine for Rodman

In May 1992, Dennis Rodman experienced a loss when coach Chuck Daly resigned. Rodman skipped the preseason camp and was fined $68,000.

October 1, 1993: Rodman Traded to San Antonio Spurs

On October 1, 1993, Dennis Rodman was traded by the Detroit Pistons to the San Antonio Spurs.

1993: Joins Spurs

In 1993, Dennis Rodman joined the San Antonio Spurs, playing power forward alongside David Robinson. He secured his third consecutive rebounding title, averaging 17.3 rebounds per game. He also earned an All-Defensive Team selection.

1994: Horace Grant leaves Bulls

In 1994, Horace Grant departed from the Chicago Bulls, creating a need for a new power forward that Dennis Rodman eventually filled.

1994: Clashes with Spurs Front Office

In 1994, Rodman clashed with the Spurs front office, resulting in multiple suspensions and a leave of absence. He returned after missing 19 games and suffered a shoulder separation in a motorcycle accident. Despite missing games, he secured his fourth straight rebounding title, averaging 16.8 rebounds per game, and earned an All-NBA Team selection.

1995: Trade to Chicago Bulls

In 1995, Dennis Rodman was traded to the Chicago Bulls for Will Perdue to fill the power forward position left by Horace Grant. He chose jersey number 91 because his preferred number 10 was retired by the Bulls. Despite concerns, Rodman adapted to his new environment, contributing to the Bulls' record-breaking 72-win season.

January 16, 1996: First Triple-Double

On January 16, 1996, Dennis Rodman recorded his first career triple-double against the Philadelphia 76ers, scoring 10 points, grabbing 21 rebounds, and adding 10 assists. He also joined Jordan and Pippen in the All-NBA Defense First Team due to his tough defense.

1996: Historical Rebounding Performance

In the 1996 NBA Finals, Dennis Rodman had a historical rebounding performance, twice snaring 11 offensive rebounds, equaling an all-time NBA record.

1996: Impact in 1996 NBA Finals

In the 1996 NBA Finals, Dennis Rodman played a significant role in the Bulls' victory against the Seattle SuperSonics. Notably, he grabbed 20 rebounds in Game Two, including a record-tying 11 offensive boards, and 19 rebounds in Game Six, again with 11 offensive boards. His performance led to praise from Seattle's coach, George Karl.

1997: Bulls NBA Finals victory

In 1997, Dennis Rodman and the Bulls reached the NBA Finals.

1997: Starring role in Double Team

In 1997, Dennis Rodman had a starring role in the action film Double Team.

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1997: Continued Success with the Bulls

In 1997, Rodman's season was marked by his sixth consecutive rebounding title and controversial behavior. He kicked a cameraman, leading to suspension and financial loss. Despite struggles in the playoffs, he contributed to the Bulls' NBA Finals victory against the Utah Jazz.

1998: Joins Los Angeles Lakers

In 1998, Dennis Rodman joined the Los Angeles Lakers. He played in 23 games.

1998: Seventh Rebounding Title and NBA Finals Appearance

In 1998, Dennis Rodman won his seventh consecutive rebounding title. Prior to Game Four of the NBA Finals versus the Jazz, he controversially left the team to wrestle with Hulk Hogan. He contributed to the Bulls' victory, securing his fifth championship ring.

1998: Bulls Rebuilding Phase and Rodman's Release

In 1998, the Chicago Bulls began a rebuilding phase. Players such as Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen left the team.

January 21, 1999: Released by Bulls

On January 21, 1999, Dennis Rodman was released by the Chicago Bulls before the start of the lockout-shortened 1998–99 season.

1999: Starring role in Simon Sez

In 1999, Dennis Rodman had a starring role in the action film Simon Sez.

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1999: Signed by Dallas Mavericks

In 1999, Dennis Rodman signed with the Dallas Mavericks. The league forbade him from wearing the jersey number 69 and he wound up wearing number 70 instead. Rodman lived in team owner Mark Cuban's guest house until the league prevented it because it violated salary cap rules.

1999: Leaves the Lakers

In 1999, Dennis Rodman's time with the Los Angeles Lakers came to an end when he was released in the offseason.

2000: Waived by Dallas Mavericks

In 2000, Dennis Rodman was waived by the Dallas Mavericks after playing 12 games due to his erratic behavior and negative impact on the team.

2003: Joins Long Beach Jam

In 2003, Dennis Rodman returned to basketball, joining the Long Beach Jam of the American Basketball Association, with aspirations of returning to the NBA.

2004: Plays in Mexico

In 2004, Dennis Rodman played basketball in Mexico with Fuerza Regia.

2004: Signs with Orange County Crush

In 2004, Dennis Rodman signed with the Orange County Crush of the ABA.

2004: Winner of Celebrity Mole

In 2004, Dennis Rodman won the $222,000 main prize of the Celebrity Mole reality TV series.

November 2005: Plays in Finland

In November 2005, Dennis Rodman played one match for Torpan Pojat in Finland's Korisliiga basketball league.

January 26, 2006: Signs with Brighton Bears

On January 26, 2006, Dennis Rodman signed a one-game deal with the Brighton Bears of the British Basketball League.

May 1, 2006: Exhibition Game in the Philippines

On May 1, 2006, Dennis Rodman's team played an exhibition game against the Philippine national basketball team at the Araneta Coliseum, where his team lost.