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 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

1971: Record Comparison

In the 1991-92 NBA season, Dennis Rodman's 1,530 season rebounds were the most since Wilt Chamberlain's 1,572 in the 1971-1972 season.

1972: Record Comparison

In the 1991-92 NBA season, Dennis Rodman's 1,530 season rebounds were the most since Wilt Chamberlain's 1,572 in the 1971-1972 season.

1985: NAIA Rebounding Leader

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

December 29, 1997: Intentional Fouls 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 in an attempt to exploit Rodman's poor free throw shooting. Rodman made 9 of 12 free throws, foiling the plan.

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: 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.