Dennis Rodman on why the NBA had no problem with his unique behavior: "Oh, s—t, he's making a lot of money for us"

Everybody who has even some small knowledge about NBA history is very well aware that Dennis Rodman is one of the most unique characters that ever set foot into the Asscociation.

His wild hairstyles, outfits, behavior and parties became legendary as both he and Rodman’s friends and associates can attest over the years.

However, it wasn’t always like that for Dennis the Menace.

When he was drafted as the 27th overall pick in the second round of the NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons, Rodman was a shy kid who was very introverted and didn’t really comunicated very much with others off the court.

Rodman started to change over the years

Only when he was traded to the Chicago Bulls in 1995 did he show the full extent of his unique personality. Even though he admits that wasn’t the real Dennis, as he feels it takes a lifetime for a person to figure out their true identity, Rodman did admit he felt free during those four years in Chicago when he was a guest on Sean Kim’s podcast.

“I think, when I was in Chicago, I think old Dennis from Detroit wasn’t there no more. This is the new Dennis… Every day, I just loved living. I loved the excitement, I loved who I was. It was just fun for those four years in Chicago,” Rodman said.

He also feels the whole NBA benefited from his behavior.

“‘Oh, s—t, he’s making a lot of money for us. Whatever he does, just keep doing what you’re doing,'” he said when he talked about the league’s stance on his behavior.

Controversy sells

Even though the trends in the media have dramatically changed over the last few decades, mostly going from print to digital, one golden rule has remained intact.

Controversial people, statements and situations sell.

Whether people love it, hate it, or just want to see what happens, you couldn’t help but follow what’s going to happen with Rodman next, since he was so unpredictable, both on and off the court.

However, he was such a huge difference maker for the Bulls on the court because the franchise leaders understood how to channel his energy in a positive way.

They didn’t try to restrict it.

Phil Jackson and Michael Jordan knew they had to let Dennis be Dennis to get the best version out of him.

Whether it was giving him permission to leave for a 48-hour vacation in Las Vegas in the middle of the season, which Rodman extended to four days, or a WCW appearance during the 1998 NBA Finals, the rules were different for him than for other Bulls players for one simple reason.

When Rodman stepped on the court, he delivered more often than not and played his role to a tee.

You knew what you were going to get from him. Relentless energy, defense and rebounding. There is no doubt that Chicago wouldn’t complete its second three-peat without Rodman’s contributions.

It just goes to show you that even though a common logic suggests everyone should get treated the same on the basketball team, you just can’t do that because different people react differently to rules, criticism and structure.

Rodman’s wild nature was impossible to restrict and the freedom he received from the team in his off-court adventures, Dennis returned the favor with his great performances.

Also, as he said, the NBA ended up being very supportive, too, since they reaped a lot of financial benefits because of it.

This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Sep 23, 2025, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Dennis Rodman on why the NBA had no problem with his unique behavior: “Oh, s—t, he’s making a lot of money for us”

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