Dennis Rodman appreciation thread

[BMR31]

To me, it lessens what it means to have your jersey retired by the Chicago Bulls if retire a player who only played for your team for three seasons.

Rodman should have no gripe with the Bulls even if he doesn't get his number retired. The guy was a pop culture sensation because of his presence on the team. This guy was an AMAZING rebounder and defensive player. But he was not a top tier player in the NBA at that point. This was a guy who also got suspended his 2nd year with the Bulls and played pretty inconsistently nearing the end of the 1998 season/playoffs.

We need some Grant appreciation threads and Norm Van Lier appreciation threads before Rodman ones. The reason Rodman's was on here first is simply because he is more recent (so more people are familiar with him) and the fact that he was a LOT more popular. Hell, he was more popular than Pippen with a lot of people.

LOL Rodman was one of the best basketball players ever born. To compare Grant or van lier to him is a complete joke.

 

[97Bulls]

I actually thin kukoc is gonna be in the hall too. Seeing as how sabonis made it. Kukoc was regarded as the best player in europe during his day. And he accomplished more than sabonis in the nba.

 

[houheffna]

To me, it lessens what it means to have your jersey retired by the Chicago Bulls if retire a player who only played for your team for three seasons.

Rodman should have no gripe with the Bulls even if he doesn't get his number retired. The guy was a pop culture sensation because of his presence on the team. This guy was an AMAZING rebounder and defensive player. But he was not a top tier player in the NBA at that point. This was a guy who also got suspended his 2nd year with the Bulls and played pretty inconsistently nearing the end of the 1998 season/playoffs.

We need some Grant appreciation threads and Norm Van Lier appreciation threads before Rodman ones. The reason Rodman's was on here first is simply because he is more recent (so more people are familiar with him) and the fact that he was a LOT more popular. Hell, he was more popular than Pippen with a lot of people.

Exactly right...and the whole, "they should retire Rodman's number because he 'embraced Chicago and Chicago embraced him' thing is not worthy of retiring a number." You retire Norm's number and that's it from what I see. Norm and then wait to retire number 1. I mean good grief, at least be an allstar once or twice.

I, for the most part, like the way the Bulls handle that situation. Jordan and Pippen deserved both numbers and statues retired, they had great, decorated careers in Chicago. I can't say Rodman had a great 3 years with the Bulls. Nor would I say his tenure here surpassed the 7 years of Horace Grant.

Retiring John Paxson's number is definitely basketball Special person.

 

[RamiTheBullsFan]

Sabonis was a great player in Europe. Maybe the greatest of all-time in his prime. We just never got to see him at that level.

And Grant is no longer a Bull because he celebrated after the Magic beat them? So did B.J. Armstrong. Are we supposed to hate him now too? Are we supposed to hate Phil Jackson because he compared Kobe to Jordan? And because he wanted Grant on his Lakers?

And NVL and Grant did much more for the Bulls organization than Rodman did. Rodman's best days were already behind him before he ever put on that Bulls' uniform. Granted, he was a better player than Grant or NVL, but longevity DOES count.

 

[RamiTheBullsFan]

I guess the Lakers shouldn't retire Shaq's number because he went to play with the Celtics, too, huh

 

[houheffna]

Sabonis was a great player in Europe. Maybe the greatest of all-time in his prime. We just never got to see him at that level.

And Grant is no longer a Bull because he celebrated after the Magic beat them? So did B.J. Armstrong. Are we supposed to hate him now too? Are we supposed to hate Phil Jackson because he compared Kobe to Jordan? And because he wanted Grant on his Lakers?

And NVL and Grant did much more for the Bulls organization than Rodman did. Rodman's best days were already behind him before he ever put on that Bulls' uniform. Granted, he was a better player than Grant or NVL, but longevity DOES count.

I would go so far as to say this...if Sabonis was a Blazer when they drafted him, and not 10 years later, the Blazers when a title or two. At the time, I didn't think the Bulls could beat the Blazers in 1991...replace Duckworth with Sabonis??? Wow.

As far as who deserves their number retired, Rodman was a great player...but most of his greatness was used elsewhere. Norm's prime years were in Chicago and Horace's best years were in Chicago.

 

[CODE_BLUE56]

i always found it interesting that miami retired jordan's number...

although longevity is a factor, i have to say that rodman's impact(on and off the court) was big in his time with chicago..he was a rebounding and defensive anchor...who played a vital role in them winning 3 titles

i think players like rodman that make such an impact and win titles should receive some veneration from their club

 

[Glide2keva]

I actually thin kukoc is gonna be in the hall too. Seeing as how sabonis made it. Kukoc was regarded as the best player in europe during his day. And he accomplished more than sabonis in the nba.

I was thinking the same thing. Seeing as the basketball hall of fame encompasses all basketball on every level, it would make sense that Kukoc would get in on his winning titles in Europe and the NBA and being on several Olympic teams.

 

[Glide2keva]

i always found it interesting that miami retired jordan's number...

although longevity is a factor, i have to say that rodman's impact(on and off the court) was big in his time with chicago..he was a rebounding and defensive anchor...who played a vital role in them winning 3 titles

i think players like rodman that make such an impact and win titles should receive some veneration from their club

I feel the same way.

 

[Glide2keva]

I guess the Lakers shouldn't retire Shaq's number because he went to play with the Celtics, too, huh

No, they should retire his number. He brought them 3 titles as the main man. Kobe will get his one day also, and maybe Fisher for being a part of the last 5 title teams.

So that would be Kobe, Shaq and Fisher. Kobe will most likely get a statue though.

 

[Glide2keva]

Sabonis was a great player in Europe. Maybe the greatest of all-time in his prime. We just never got to see him at that level.

So was Kukoc.

And Grant is no longer a Bull because he celebrated after the Magic beat them? So did B.J. Armstrong. Are we supposed to hate him now too? Are we supposed to hate Phil Jackson because he compared Kobe to Jordan? And because he wanted Grant on his Lakers?

First of all you're being a little sensitive and taking things a little too far out of context. Grant rubbed it in our faces though. I was in the building for it. It wasn't pretty how people felt after that. B.J. came back and worked in the organization after his playing days were done and he's Derrick Rose's agent. How could we possibly hate that guy? Phil didn't leave on bad terms with the fans. Just Krause and J. R.

And NVL and Grant did much more for the Bulls organization than Rodman did. Rodman's best days were already behind him before he ever put on that Bulls' uniform. Granted, he was a better player than Grant or NVL, but longevity DOES count.

Where did I say that Stormin' Norman didn't deserve it? I've been saying that for years. If Sloan is up there, certainly Norm should be up there also. I don't have a problem with Grant and retiring his number, really. He helped us win our first 3 and was a major contributor to the titles. I'm just saying that Rodman is a special case, plus he is in the Hall now.

My wish list is:

2 NVL
7 Kukoc
53 Gilmore
54 Grant
91 Rodman

It's not like we're saying they should retire Luc Longley's number or John Starks or Jalen Rose or somebody. These were all great Bulls during their time here. And why do you love to diminish everyone on those teams but Jordan? He was awesome, no doubt, but he had help and his teammates deserve to be honored just like he does.

 

[97Bulls]

So was Kukoc.

First of all you're being a little sensitive and taking things a little too far out of context. Grant rubbed it in our faces though. I was in the building for it. It wasn't pretty how people felt after that. B.J. came back and worked in the organization after his playing days were done and he's Derrick Rose's agent. How could we possibly hate that guy? Phil didn't leave on bad terms with the fans. Just Krause and J. R.

Where did I say that Stormin' Norman didn't deserve it? I've been saying that for years. If Sloan is up there, certainly Norm should be up there also. I don't have a problem with Grant and retiring his number, really. He helped us win our first 3 and was a major contributor to the titles. I'm just saying that Rodman is a special case, plus he is in the Hall now.

My wish list is:

2 NVL
7 Kukoc
53 Gilmore
54 Grant
91 Rodman

It's not like we're saying they should retire Luc Longley's number or John Starks or Jalen Rose or somebody. These were all great Bulls during their time here. And why do you love to diminish everyone on those teams but Jordan? He was awesome, no doubt, but he had help and his teammates deserve to be honored just like he does.

Great post. If you guys get a chance, check the awards kukoc has won overseas. He dominated like no other european player. I feel the international commitee will elect him soon.

I also agree that it seems strange to me that some of the posters on here will go to ends of the earth to try and minimalize the contributions and sacrifice of pippen, rodman, kukoc, grant and the rest of the bulls. Jordan had 7 years to win on his own so to speak. He couldn't do it.

 

[theCHI_Life84]

 

[97Bulls]

One of my favorite photos ever. This was the epitome of what rodman was.

 

[Glide2keva]

One of my favorite photos ever. This was the epitome of what rodman was.

Can't you see in this pic, he is just being weird and not contributing and driving Jordan out of town.

 

[97Bulls]

Can't you see in this pic, he is just being weird and not contributing and driving Jordan out of town.

Lol exactly.

 

[RamiTheBullsFan]

I just don't like the idea of guys coming into the United Center and saying, 'you see that #91 hanging there? That guy only played for this team three seasons and never made an all-star team with the team and STILL was good enough to hang from this team's rafters.'

 

[houheffna]

I just don't like the idea of guys coming into the United Center and saying, 'you see that #91 hanging there? That guy only played for this team three seasons and never made an all-star team with the team and STILL was good enough to hang from this team's rafters.'

Well, you have to throw in there that he contributed so much off the court...where would we be without Rodman's tranny parties at the Crowbar?

For the record, I think what Riley did with Jordan's number was pretty damn silly. I have argued with people about Reinsdorf retiring Baines number, let alone the statue. With some franchises, hall of famers don't get their number retired...the Bears are one. It is a very special honor and I don't think it should be taken lightly.

 

[RamiTheBullsFan]

Yeah, I think having your number retired should be even MORE exclusive than the hall of fame (considering how relatively easy it is to get into the Basketball Hall Of Fame).

 

[scottiepippen1994]

Well, you have to throw in there that he contributed so much off the court...where would we be without Rodman's tranny parties at the Crowbar?

For the record, I think what Riley did with Jordan's number was pretty damn silly. I have argued with people about Reinsdorf retiring Baines number, let alone the statue. With some franchises, hall of famers don't get their number retired...the Bears are one. It is a very special honor and I don't think it should be taken lightly.

Bashing Pip, now bashing Rodman???Come one man...Rodman may have only been on the Bulls for 3 years, but his impact was very very strong during his time here, which was a huge contribution in the championships all 3 seasons he was here...I hope Rodmans number is retired at the UC....He will always be a Chicago favorite inn the eyes of the majority of Bulls fans...He is Legend in Chitown too...Stop hating!
:crazydance: