In 2011, Phil Jackson stated that he was informed by Michael Jordan that Dennis Rodman was the Chicago Bulls’ 1995–96 MVP.
In the 1990s, Phil Jackson managed the Chicago Bulls, who went on to become the most famous NBA dynasty ever. The Bulls of 1995–96, led by Michael Jordan and coached by Mark Jackson, are regarded as the best NBA team ever. However, Jackson admitted to Bulls.com in 2011 that Jordan had informed him Dennis Rodman was the season’s MVP during that memorable campaign.
“We had the best record in NBA history the season we acquired Dennis. It conveys a great deal about his influence. Michael informed me he thought Dennis was the team’s MVP the year (Scottie) Pippen missed the first three months following surgery.”
After Rodman’s catastrophic tenure in San Antonio, the Bulls added him that summer, fresh off an Orlando Magic second-round elimination. The Bulls were completely changed by that deal, going 72-10 and winning the 1996 championship while sweeping the Magic as payback.
Jackson talked about how crucial it was for a player like Rodman to be prepared to defend Shaquille O’Neal despite their physical differences.
“He couldn’t take those big guys like Shaq leaning on him for 48 minutes,” Jackson said. “Luc (Longley) would relieve some of the physical load. However, Dennis would play Shaq in pivotal moments, giving up seventy pounds. He was a man capable of playing for 48 hours straight without tiring. He grew stronger as the game progressed. At the end, he would have greater strength than at the start.”
“He couldn’t take those big guys like Shaq leaning on him for 48 minutes,” said Jackson. “Luc (Longley) would be asked to relieve some bodily pressure. But in the final moments, when it mattered most, Dennis would play Shaq and give up 70 pounds. He was a man who could perform for 48 hours without tiring. Throughout the game, he grew more powerful. He would have gained strength towards the end.”
Phil Jackson Regarding Rodman’s Role As A Pistons Rival
In the 1980s, Rodman played a significant role in the notorious “Bad Boys Pistons” teams, which were the Chicago Bulls’ fiercest opponents and winners of the 1989 and 1990 NBA Championships. Given the intensity of that competition, Jackson also discussed Rodman’s role in the conflict with Bulls.com, revealing that Rodman took on the team’s demeanor in order to achieve their objectives.
“He was an outcome of their arrangement. The motto of Detroit was “don’t give up.” In 1991, he flung Scottie into the seats. Although he wasn’t a scary man, he felt like he was missing something.”
Despite the competition, Jackson was still in awe of Rodman’s skill.
“I’ve always respected what he did, the way he used his agility to defend a variety of players on the floor, including Magic Johnson of the Lakers and James Worthy. He was the second best player to Joe Dumars on the Pistons, behind Michael Jordan. He undoubtedly played a role.”
“I’ve always respected what he did, how he used his agility to guard different players on the floor, like James Worthy and Magic Johnson of the Lakers.” After Michael Jordan, he was the second-best player on the Pistons, after Joe Dumars. He certainly had a part to play.”