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 former professional basketball player celebrated for his exceptional rebounding and defensive skills. Often considered one of the best rebounding forwards in NBA history, Rodman played for several prominent teams, including the Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dallas Mavericks. He transitioned from small forward to power forward during his career, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.

Sections (6)

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

1983: College Basketball at Southeastern Oklahoma State University

In 1983, Dennis Rodman began playing basketball at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, marking the start of his three seasons there.

1985: NAIA Rebounding Leader

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

1986: NAIA Semifinals and Rebounding Record

In 1986, Dennis Rodman led his team to the NAIA semifinals, scoring 46 points and grabbing a tournament-tying record of 32 rebounds in a single game.

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), joining the "Bad Boys" team.

1987: Improved Stats

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

1988: All-Defensive Team Selection

During the 1988-89 season, Dennis Rodman was voted into the All-Defensive Team for the first time in his career.

1989: NBA Championship with the Pistons

In 1989, the Detroit Pistons defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 4-0 in the NBA Finals, with Dennis Rodman playing a key role in defense and rebounding.

1989: Loss of Rick Mahorn

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

1990: Established as Starting Small Forward

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

1990: NBA Defensive Player of the Year and Championship

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

1991: Rodman Establishes Himself as a Top Rebounder

From 1991, 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 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award. However, the Pistons were swept by the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals.

1991: Rodman's Rebounding

In the 1991-92 season, Rodman made a remarkable leap in his rebounding, winning his first of seven consecutive rebounding crowns, along with scoring 9.8 points per game, and making his first All-NBA Team.

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, Dennis Rodman was traded by the Detroit Pistons to the San Antonio Spurs after demanding a trade.

1993: Rodman Joins Spurs and Wins Rebounding Title

In 1993, Dennis Rodman joined the San Antonio Spurs, playing as a power forward alongside David Robinson. He won his third straight rebounding title, averaging 17.3 rebounds per game, and was named to the All-Defensive Team. He also began displaying unconventional behavior, such as dyeing his hair in various colors.

1994: Horace Grant Leaves the Chicago Bulls

Before the 1995-96 season, Rodman was traded to the Chicago Bulls to fill a void at power forward left by Horace Grant, who had left the team before the 1994-95 season.

1994: Rodman's Clashes with Spurs and Rebounding Title

In 1994, Dennis Rodman clashed with the Spurs front office, resulting in suspensions and a leave of absence. Despite missing games due to a motorcycle accident, he managed to win his fourth straight rebounding title, averaging 16.8 rebounds per game, and made the All-NBA Team.

1995: Rodman Traded to Chicago Bulls

Before the 1995-96 NBA season, Dennis Rodman was traded to the Chicago Bulls for Will Perdue. He chose to wear jersey number 91 and quickly adapted to his new environment, becoming part of the Bulls team that won 72 regular-season games.

January 16, 1996: Rodman's First Triple-Double

On January 16, 1996, Dennis Rodman recorded his first triple-double against the Philadelphia 76ers, scoring 10 points, grabbing 21 rebounds, and providing 10 assists. He was also named to 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, he grabbed 20 rebounds, including 11 offensive boards, and in Game Six, he secured 19 rebounds, again with 11 offensive boards. His performance was crucial to the Bulls' success.

1996: Rodman's Offensive Rebounding Record in NBA Finals

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

1996: Rodman's Sixth Rebounding Title

In the 1996-97 season, Dennis Rodman secured his sixth straight rebounding title. He made headlines due to his behavior.

December 29, 1997: Wells Sets Record for Fastest Foul Out Against Rodman

On December 29, 1997, Bubba Wells of the Dallas Mavericks committed six intentional fouls against Dennis Rodman in only three minutes, setting the record for the fastest foul out in NBA history. This strategy was an early version of the "Hack-a-Shaq" method.

1997: Bulls begin massive rebuilding phase

After the 1997-98 NBA season, the Bulls began a massive rebuilding phase. Head coach Phil Jackson and several team members left, including Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.

1997: Starring in Double Team

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

1997: Rodman Wins Rebounding Title

In the 1997-98 NBA season, Dennis Rodman won his seventh consecutive rebounding title with 15.0 boards per game.

1998: Bulls start a massive rebuilding phase

After the 1997-98 NBA season, the Bulls began a massive rebuilding phase, Head coach Phil Jackson and several team members left, including Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.

1998: Rodman joins the Los Angeles Lakers

In 1998, Dennis Rodman joined the Los Angeles Lakers and played in only 23 games. He was released in the off-season.

1998: Rodman's Wrestling Stint and Bulls' Championship

In 1998, during the NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz, Dennis Rodman left his team before Game Four to go wrestling with Hulk Hogan, resulting in a $20,000 fine. Despite this, the Bulls won their third title in a row, with Rodman playing a key role on the court.

January 21, 1999: Rodman Released by the 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.

1999: Rodman Signed by Dallas Mavericks

In the 1999-2000 season, Dennis Rodman was signed by the Dallas Mavericks. While averaging 14.3 rebounds per game, his erratic behavior alienated the franchise.

1999: Rodman's Time with the Los Angeles Lakers

In the remainder of the 1998-1999 season, Dennis Rodman joined the Los Angeles Lakers. He played in only 23 games and was released in the offseason.

2000: Rodman's Time with the Dallas Mavericks

In the 1999-2000 season, Dennis Rodman played for the Dallas Mavericks. His erratic behavior alienated the team, and he was eventually waived.

2003: Rodman Returns to Basketball with Long Beach Jam

In 2003, Dennis Rodman returned to basketball by playing for the Long Beach Jam of the newly formed American Basketball Association during the 2003–04 season, with hopes of being called up to the NBA midseason. He helped the Jam win the ABA championship in their inaugural season.

2004: Rodman Plays in Mexico with Fuerza Regia

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

2004: Winner of Celebrity Mole

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

2004: Rodman Signs with Orange County Crush

In the 2004-05 season, Dennis Rodman signed with the ABA's Orange County Crush.

November 2005: Rodman Plays in Finland's Basketball League

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 UK basketball team Brighton Bears of the British Basketball League.

May 1, 2006: Rodman Plays Exhibition Game in Philippines

On May 1, 2006, Dennis Rodman's team lost to the Philippine national basketball team 110–102 at the Araneta Coliseum, where he scored three points and recorded 16 rebounds.