Rodzilla

The dizzying heights of the Chicago Bulls’ success in the nineties generated my interest in basketball. One player sure was my favourite of all time. He isn’t Jordan, Pippen, Barkley, Bird, Malone, Olajuwon, Dr J, Stockton, Shaq, Abdul Jabbar or Magic. He is Dennis Rodman.

This bad boy is known for his defensive force, his rebounding skills and for his outrageous lifestyle. He is so well conditioned that he never seems to tire. Well, at the Chicago Bulls, the unorthodox coach we see in Phil Jackson and the superstar, Michael Jordan kept Rodman focus on his rebounding job and basically, in line with the team.

Rodman’s gameplan is about bringing an attitude to the game to frustrate opponents and taking them out. Besides rebounding, Rodman was great at drawing fouls too. His other strengths include relying on a rough and physical style of play to compete against those taller and stronger opponents in the NBA.

I really love the attitude, colour and raw energy he brought to the Chicago Bulls or to a larger context, the game back then. Those were exciting times…What colour will his hair be? Was his marriage to Carmen Electra for real? Did he wear a wedding gown to his book-signing session? Will he erupt on court? Will he run naked on the court? Is that a new tattoo? One thing is for sure. Rodman was the best rebounding forward in NBA history. One of the best known and perhaps, most controversial basketball player during his time.

He has done it all…dyes his hair, being part of the Chicago Bulls, hanging out with Madonna, as a wrestler sidekick with Hulk Hogan, acted in a few action movies, had a bestselling book, torching the Mormons, kicking courtside cameraman, on his own MTV reality show, plus many more.

For all his rebounding brilliance, his appearance and lifestyle probably deflects media attention from his remarkable basketball achievements. He wore the 91 jersey, it was said that he actually wanted 911 and he sure spells trouble for his opponents. In short, he is the slap in the face to David Stern and the conventional America.