Dennis Rodman's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Dennis Rodman. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

1971: Previous Rebounding Record

In the 1971–1972 NBA season, Wilt Chamberlain grabbed 1,572 rebounds.

1972: Previous Rebounding Record

In the 1971–1972 NBA season, Wilt Chamberlain grabbed 1,572 rebounds.

1985: NAIA Rebounding Lead

In 1985, Rodman led the NAIA in rebounding while at Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

1986: NAIA Semifinals and Tournament Record

In 1986, Rodman led his team to the NAIA semifinals, scoring 46 points and grabbing a tournament-tying record 32 rebounds. He also led the NAIA in rebounding for the second time.

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.

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.

March 1992: Career-High Rebounds

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

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.

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.

December 29, 1997: Intentional Fouls and Free Throw Success

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. Rodman hit 9 of the 12 attempts.

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: 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.

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.