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 for his exceptional rebounding and defensive skills. Often considered among 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, making a lasting impact on the sport with his unique style and talent.

Sections (6)

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

1986: Drafted by Detroit Pistons

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

1988: Increased playing time and All-Defensive Team Selection

During the 1988–89 season, Rodman began seeing more playing time and was voted into the All-Defensive Team for the first time in his career.

1989: NBA Championship with Pistons

In 1989, the Pistons won the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers, with Rodman dominating the boards despite back spasms.

1989: Taking over Mahorn's role

In the 1989–90 season, after Rick Mahorn was lost in the expansion draft, Rodman seamlessly took over his role as a defensive force for the Pistons.

1990: Start of 1990-91 Season

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

1990: NBA Defensive Player of the Year and Second NBA Title

In 1990, Rodman won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award and helped the Pistons win their second consecutive NBA title against the Portland Trail Blazers.

1991: Becomes One of the Best Rebounders

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, Rodman won his second Defensive Player of the Year Award while playing for the Detroit Pistons.

1991: Start of 1991-92 Season

In the 1991–92 season, Rodman began a remarkable leap in his rebounding, collecting an astounding 18.7 per game, and 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: Career-High Rebound Game

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

October 1, 1993: Trade to San Antonio Spurs

On October 1, 1993, after demanding a trade, the Pistons traded Rodman to the San Antonio Spurs.

1993: Joins the San Antonio Spurs

In 1993, Dennis Rodman joined the San Antonio Spurs, playing alongside David Robinson and other supporting players. He played as a power forward, winning his third straight rebounding title and earning an All-Defensive Team call-up. Rodman also started showing unconventional behavior, such as dyeing his hair in various colors.

1994: 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 shoulder separation from a motorcycle accident, he managed to win his fourth straight rebounding title, averaging 16.8 rebounds per game, and made the All-NBA Team.

1994: Unconventional Behavior and Playoff Loss

In 1994, Dennis Rodman continued to display unconventional behavior, including headbutting opponents and having a publicized affair with Madonna. Despite a 55-win season, the Spurs were eliminated in the first round of the 1994 playoffs by the Utah Jazz.

1994: Departure of Horace Grant

In 1994, Horace Grant left the Chicago Bulls team before the 1994-95 season, creating a void at power forward that would eventually be filled by Dennis Rodman via a trade in 1995.

1995: Trade to Chicago Bulls

In 1995, Dennis Rodman was traded to the Chicago Bulls for Will Perdue, filling a need at power forward after Horace Grant's departure. Rodman chose the number 91 as his jersey number because his best friend Jack Haley was also traded to the Bulls.

January 16, 1996: 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 adding 10 assists.

1996: Key Role in 1996 NBA Finals Victory

In the 1996 NBA Finals, Dennis Rodman played a crucial role in the Bulls' victory against the Seattle SuperSonics. He had standout performances in Game Two and Game Six, securing numerous rebounds and unnerving Shawn Kemp. Rodman's contributions were acknowledged by Seattle's coach George Karl, who stated that Rodman won two basketball games for the Bulls.

1996: Sixth Rebounding Title

In the 1996-97 NBA season, Dennis Rodman won his sixth straight rebounding title with 16.7 boards per game.

1996: Historical Outburst in NBA Finals

Playing power forward as a member of the Spurs and the Bulls, Dennis Rodman had a historical outburst in the 1996 NBA Finals, twice snaring 11 offensive rebounds, equalling an all-time NBA record.

1997: Bulls Rebuilding Phase

After the 1997-98 season, the Bulls started a massive rebuilding phase.

1997: Starring in Double Team

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

1997: Regular Season

The regular season of 1997-98 ended with Dennis Rodman winning his seventh consecutive rebounding title with 15.0 boards per game, along with 4.7 points per game.

1998: Bulls Rebuilding Phase

After the 1997-98 season, the Bulls started a massive rebuilding phase, largely at the behest of general manager Jerry Krause.

1998: Seventh Rebounding Title and NBA Finals Appearance

In 1998, Dennis Rodman won his seventh consecutive rebounding title, averaging 15.0 boards per game, and reached the 1998 NBA Finals again versus the Jazz. Before game four, he caused consternation when he left his team to go wrestling with Hulk Hogan and was fined $20,000. The Bulls won their third title in a row, with Rodman winning his fifth ring.

1998: Joins the Los Angeles Lakers

With his sister acting as his agent at the time, in 1998 Rodman joined the Los Angeles Lakers.

January 21, 1999: 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: Joins the Los Angeles Lakers

In 1999, Dennis Rodman joined the Los Angeles Lakers for a pro-rated salary for the remainder of the 1998–1999 season.

1999: Starring in Simon Sez

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

1999: Signed by Dallas Mavericks

In the 1999-2000 season, the then-38-year-old Dennis Rodman was signed by the Dallas Mavericks, returning Rodman to his hometown.

2000: Signed by Dallas Mavericks

In the 1999-2000 season, the then-38-year-old Dennis Rodman was signed by the Dallas Mavericks, returning Rodman to his hometown. Dallas had won 10 of 13 before his arrival but went just 4–9 until he was waived by the Mavericks.

2003: Plays for Long Beach Jam and Wins ABA Championship

After a longer hiatus, in 2003 Dennis Rodman returned to play basketball for the Long Beach Jam of the newly formed American Basketball Association (ABA) 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: Plays in Mexico

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

2004: Winning Celebrity Mole

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

2004: Signs with Orange County Crush

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

November 2005: Plays in Finland

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

January 26, 2006: Signs with Brighton Bears

On January 26, 2006, it was announced that Dennis Rodman had signed a one-game "experiment" deal for the UK basketball team Brighton Bears of the British Basketball League to play Guildford Heat on January 28.

May 1, 2006: Plays Exhibition Game in the 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.

April 1, 2011: Rodman's Jersey Retired

On April 1, 2011, the Detroit Pistons retired Rodman's No. 10 jersey.

February 26, 2013: Trip to North Korea

On February 26, 2013, Dennis Rodman, along with Vice Media correspondent Ryan Duffy, made a trip to North Korea to host basketball exhibitions. He met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, becoming the first American to meet him. Rodman called Kim "a friend for life" and suggested that President Barack Obama call Kim.

July 2013: Rodman's Mission to break the ice between hostile countries

In July 2013, Dennis Rodman told Sports Illustrated that his mission was to break the ice between hostile countries, and if he didn't finish in the top three for the next Nobel Peace Prize, something's seriously wrong.

September 3, 2013: Another meeting with Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang

On September 3, 2013, Dennis Rodman flew to Pyongyang for another meeting with Kim Jong Un. He said that Kim has a daughter named Kim Ju Ae, and that he is a "great dad". He also noted that he planned to train the North Korean national basketball team and encouraged Obama to reach out to Kim Jong Un.

December 2013: Planned Visit to North Korea with Former NBA Players

In December 2013, Dennis Rodman announced plans to visit North Korea again with former NBA players for an exhibition basketball tour, scheduled for January 8 and 10, 2014.

January 10, 2014: Exhibition basketball game

On January 10, 2014, Dennis Rodman had planned an exhibition basketball tour for Kim Jong Un's birthday.

May 2, 2016: Kenneth Bae credits Rodman with early release

On May 2, 2016, Kenneth Bae credited Dennis Rodman with his early release from North Korea, stating that Rodman's rant raised awareness of his case.

June 13, 2017: Return to North Korea

On June 13, 2017, Dennis Rodman returned to North Korea on what was described as a sports-related visit. He met with national Olympic athletes and basketball players, viewed a men's basketball practice, and visited a state-run orphanage. He gave the nation's Minister of Sports several gifts for Kim Jong Un.

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December 2017: Professor Terwilliger's statement about Rodman's role

In December 2017, Columbia University professor Joseph Terwilliger stated that Dennis Rodman's unique position as a friend to the leaders of both the U.S. and North Korea could provide a much-needed bridge to help resolve the current nuclear standoff.

2017: Request to Release Warmbier

In 2017, before leaving for a trip, Dennis Rodman's agent, Chris Volo, asked North Korean officials to release Otto Warmbier as a symbol of good faith for future sports-relations visits.