Detroit announced that it will retire Dennis Rodman’s #10 on April 1st. Is this an April Fools to give payback on the NBA’s ultimate joker? I think not. Dennis Rodman was the most prolific rebounder of the modern NBA as well as one of the most fearless defenders to ever grace the NBA hardwood. Maybe too fearless, after being snubbed from Hall of Fame votes numerous times as well as being banned from reality TV show Celebrity Big Brother. Perhaps the Pistons due diligence will help Dennis’s cause when it comes to getting the fair recognition he deserves.
Now should the Bulls retire 91 as well? He did play for the Bulls for only 3 seasons, and they were very impressive seasons. It may not be enough of a reason to retire a players jersey, but I think bizarre rules apply to bizarre players. 91 is not like the numbers 1,5,6,23,32,33 where teams that have these numbers available will constantly suit a player in them. Putting 91 into the rafters wouldn’t hurt the Bulls nor would it hurt the NBA.
The Bulls need to reconsider retiring Rodman’s 91. Not to clutter the rafters with more players, but to acknowledge the difference between simply winning an NBA Championship and a dominating 72 win season. As a Bull Dennis lead the league in rebounding for all of his 3 seasons, at a rate that has not been seen until this year’s breakout season from Minnesota’s Kevin Love. Statistics aside, Rodman’s unique personality made for a non-stop 24/7 tabloid of its own. Ranging from Madonna and Carmen Electra to infamously headbutting a referee. There may never be another Dennis Rodman in the NBA. While some still try, the league reacts differently after learning from the era of fame and shame.
The Bulls General Manager Jerry Krause with blessing from Coach Jackson and players, traded Center Will Perdue on October 2nd 1995 to the San Antonio Spurs for PF Dennis Rodman, where he remained a Bull until January 21st 1999, when the Bulls released him in a strike-laden season. The Bulls traded F/C Stacey King to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Luc Longley prior, making Perdue expendable.
Rodman played in Detroit for seven seasons which was highlighted by 2 NBA Championships, 2 rebounding titles, 2 Defensive Player of the Year awards, and 1 season leading the league in field goal percentage.
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