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, nicknamed "the Worm," is a retired American professional basketball player celebrated as one of the NBA's best rebounding forwards. He played for several teams, including the Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dallas Mavericks. Initially a small forward, he transitioned to power forward, gaining recognition for his exceptional defensive and rebounding skills.

Sections (6)

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

1983: College Career

Starting in 1983, Dennis Rodman played for Southeastern Oklahoma State University for three seasons.

1985: NAIA Rebounding Leader

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

1986: NAIA Semifinals and NBA Draft Attention

In 1986, Dennis Rodman led his team to the NAIA semifinals, scoring 46 points and grabbing 32 rebounds in a single game. He was then invited to the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, catching the attention of the Detroit Pistons.

1986: 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: Playoff Feud with Dennis Johnson

In the 1987 playoffs, Dennis Rodman feuded with Boston Celtics guard Dennis Johnson, taunting him during a game.

1987: Improving Stats

In the 1987-88 season, Dennis Rodman steadily improved his stats, averaging 11.6 points and 8.7 rebounds and starting in 32 games.

1988: Continued Bench Role

During the 1988-89 season, Dennis Rodman continued as a bench player, contributing effective defense and earning a spot on the All-Defensive Team.

1989: NBA Championship Win

In 1989, the Detroit Pistons won the NBA Championship, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 4-0 in the NBA Finals. Dennis Rodman dominated the boards, grabbing 19 rebounds in Game 3.

1989: Loss of Rick Mahorn

In the 1989-90 season, the Detroit Pistons lost defensive forward Rick Mahorn.

1990: Starting Small Forward

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

1990: Defensive Player of the Year Award and Second Championship

In 1990, Dennis Rodman won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award and the Detroit Pistons claimed their second NBA title, defeating the Portland Trail Blazers in five games.

1991: Rebounding Leap

During the 1991-92 season, Dennis Rodman made a remarkable leap in his rebounding, winning his first of seven consecutive rebounding crowns.

1991: Rodman Establishes Himself as a Top Rebounder

From 1991 on, Dennis Rodman established himself as one of the best rebounders of all time, averaging at least 15 rebounds per game in six of the next seven years.

1991: Second Defensive Player of the Year Award

In 1991, Dennis Rodman won his second Defensive Player of the Year Award, averaging 8.2 points and 12.5 rebounds. The Pistons were swept by the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals.

March 4, 1992: Rodman's Career-High Rebound Game

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

March 1992: Career-High Rebounds

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

October 1, 1993: Trade to San Antonio Spurs

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

1993: Rodman Joins the Spurs

In 1993, Dennis Rodman joined the San Antonio Spurs, a team centered around David Robinson. Rodman played power forward and won his third consecutive rebounding title, averaging 17.3 rebounds per game, and was named to the All-Defensive Team.

1994: Rodman's Clashes with Spurs Front Office

During the 1994 season, Dennis Rodman clashed with the San Antonio Spurs front office. He was suspended multiple times and suffered a shoulder separation in a motorcycle accident. Despite playing only 49 games, Rodman secured his fourth straight rebounding title, averaging 16.8 rebounds per game, and made the All-NBA Team.

1994: Horace Grant Leaves The Bulls

Horace Grant left the Chicago Bulls before the 1994-95 season, creating a void at the power forward position which Rodman would later fill.

1994: Rodman's Unconventional Behavior and Playoff Exit

In 1994, Dennis Rodman displayed unconventional behavior, including dyeing his hair in various colors and having an affair with Madonna. During the season, Rodman headbutted Stacey King and John Stockton, refused to leave the court after being ejected. The Spurs were eliminated in the first round of the 1994 playoffs by the Utah Jazz.

1995: Rodman Traded to the Chicago Bulls

Before the 1995-96 season, Dennis Rodman was traded to the Chicago Bulls for Will Perdue to fill the power forward position. He chose the number 91 since the number 10 was retired. Rodman adapted well, averaging 5.5 points and 14.9 rebounds per game, winning another rebounding title as part of the Bulls team that achieved a 72-10 regular-season record.

January 16, 1996: Rodman's Triple-Double Against the Philadelphia 76ers

On January 16, 1996, Dennis Rodman recorded his first triple-double against the Philadelphia 76ers, scoring 10 points, grabbing 21 rebounds, and adding 10 assists. He was named in the All-NBA Defense First Team.

1996: Rodman's Impact in the 1996 NBA Finals Victory

In the 1996 NBA Finals, Dennis Rodman played a significant role in the Chicago Bulls' victory against the Seattle SuperSonics. In Game Two, Rodman secured 20 rebounds, including a record-tying 11 offensive boards. In Game Six, he again grabbed 19 rebounds and 11 offensive boards. Rodman's performance was pivotal in the Bulls' success.

1996: Rodman's Performance in 1996 NBA Finals

In the 1996 NBA Finals, Dennis Rodman twice snared 11 offensive rebounds, equalling an all-time NBA record.

1997: End of Chicago Bulls Era

After the 1997-98 season, the Bulls started a massive rebuilding phase. Head coach Phil Jackson and several members of the team left.

1997: Starring in Double Team

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

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1997: Rodman Wins Rebounding Title and Reaches NBA Finals

In the 1996-1997 NBA season, Dennis Rodman secured his sixth consecutive rebounding title, averaging 16.7 rebounds per game. The Chicago Bulls reached the 1997 NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz, with Rodman playing a key role in their victory.

1998: End of Chicago Bulls Era

After the 1997-98 season, the Bulls started a massive rebuilding phase. Head coach Phil Jackson and several members of the team left.

1998: Rodman Joins the Los Angeles Lakers

In 1998, Dennis Rodman joined the Los Angeles Lakers, playing 23 games and averaging 2 points and 11 rebounds per game.

1998: Rodman Wins Seventh Rebounding Title and Another NBA Championship

In 1998, Dennis Rodman won his seventh consecutive rebounding title with 15.0 rebounds per game. Before Game Four of the 1998 NBA Finals, Rodman left the team to go wrestling with Hulk Hogan, resulting in a $20,000 fine. The Chicago Bulls won their third title in a row, with Rodman securing his fifth NBA ring.

January 21, 1999: Rodman Released by the Chicago 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 in Simon Sez

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

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1999: Rodman Released by the Los Angeles Lakers

In 1999, Dennis Rodman played for the Los Angeles Lakers and was released in the offseason after playing in only 23 games.

1999: Rodman Signs with Dallas Mavericks

In the 1999-2000 season, Dennis Rodman signed with the Dallas Mavericks. He played 12 games, received six technical fouls, was ejected twice, and served a one-game suspension.

2000: Rodman's Brief Stint and Release from Dallas Mavericks

In 2000, Dennis Rodman's brief stint with the Dallas Mavericks was marked by erratic behavior. He was eventually waived by the team after playing 12 games.

2003: Rodman Returns to Basketball with Long Beach Jam

In 2003, after a hiatus, Dennis Rodman returned to basketball, playing for the Long Beach Jam of the American Basketball Association (ABA) during the 2003-04 season, with the aim of being called up to the NBA.

2004: Rodman Plays in Mexico with Fuerza Regia

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

2004: Winner of Celebrity Mole

In 2004, Dennis Rodman was the winner of the $222,000 main prize of the edition of Celebrity Mole.

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2004: Rodman Signs with ABA's Orange County Crush

In 2004, during the 2004-05 season, Dennis Rodman signed with the Orange County Crush of the American Basketball Association (ABA).

November 2005: Rodman Plays for Torpan Pojat in Finland

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

January 26, 2006: Rodman Signs with Brighton Bears

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

May 1, 2006: Rodman Plays Exhibition Game in Philippines

On May 1, 2006, Dennis Rodman played in an exhibition game in the Philippines, where his team lost to the Philippine national basketball team 110-102 at the Araneta Coliseum. Rodman scored three points and recorded 16 rebounds.