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USA Today via Reuters

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USA Today via Reuters

Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls were a force back in their era. Having a dynamic duo made Chicago a city of champions. However, the once three-time champs needed a major addition to repeat their success. They brought in arguably the best rebounder of all time, Dennis Rodman. The Worm was never the easiest player to work with. And later in his career, even David Stern and the NBA got that experience. In fact, the league had to alter the rules after Rodman’s request when he joined the Dallas Mavericks.

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When it comes to Rodman, the former Bad Boy was a true troublemaker. His mentality differed from any player to ever step on an NBA floor. Partying before games were common for the Worm. Jordan even had to get him from his room once. However, when it came time to step on the floor, he put his heart out. Arguably no one played harder than Dennis Rodman. But it all came with his antics.

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Likewise, when the five-time champ made his final move to Dallas, he wanted a number that would shatter the NBA. But David Stern quickly shut down his attempt.

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Dennis Rodman was a menace after the run with Michael Jordan

Towards the end of his career, the Worm had done it all. He had put in the hard work and become one of the best players in the league’s history. After winning championships with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, he was in the mood to have fun. Jumping from one team to another, he landed with Mark Cuban at the Dallas Mavericks. Likewise, he wanted to revolutionize the NBA. However, his way of doing it would have changed the entire policy of the NBA.

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With families and kids tuning in to watch their favorite players in action, it is important for the players to follow certain guidelines. Hence, when Rodman decided to don the number 69, Stern had to step in. From there on the commissioner put an unofficial ban on the number. The 2-time DPOY had to go with the number 70 at the Dallas Mavericks.

After a poor run with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Mavericks had hoped for much from one of the greatest rebounders of all time. And Rodman delivered on his name. He averaged 14 rebounds at the age of 39 with the Mavs. However, he played just 12 games for them. Even in a short time, his run was iconic. In the 29 days, he was a Maverick, Rodman was ejected two times and even got himself a suspension.

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While it did attract a major market for the Mavericks under new owner Mark Cuban, they released the Worm after just a month. That was the last time Rodman ever stepped foot on the NBA court again. However, despite all the drama, Rodman was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame in 2011.

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Anuj Talwalkar

4,491 Articles

Anuj Talwalkar is a senior NBA Newsbreak specialist at EssentiallySports, trusted for his real-time coverage and fast, accurate updates on league developments. With five NBA seasons and two Olympics coverages under his belt, Anuj stands out as the go-to reporter for the NBA Matchday Newsdesk. As part of the EssentiallySports Journalistic Excellence Program, he continuously refines his hard reporting with grounded storytelling shaped by fan culture and court-level insights. An economics graduate and lifelong OKC fan since the Supersonics era, Anuj combines analytical thinking and a genuine passion for basketball. He’s recognized for both his live news coverage and feature writing, with aspirations to someday interview Russell Westbrook. Anuj’s reporting is marked by its reliability, depth, and strong connection to the pulse of the NBA.

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