Featured Image Credit: Cigar Aficionado/Getty
Topics: Michael Jordan, NBA
Matthew Holt
It's safe to say Michael Jordan's opinion in the NBA holds a fair bit of weight.
Jordan, 61, won six NBA titles as well as two Olympic gold medals with the USA and is considered by most to be the best to ever play the sport.
When it comes to rebounders, Jordan is no secret to those who were clinical from close range.
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Scottie Pippen, MJ's teammate for 10 seasons was incredible at doing so during their time together with the Chicago Bulls.
Back in 2013, Jordan was asked who the best of the best was and many will be surprised to learn he did not name his former pal Scottie.
"Dennis [Rodman]," began the Bulls legend, when asked who he felt was top of the pile in terms of rebounds.
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"Come on, now. The best rebounder—one of the best rebounders in the game."
Rodman was one of the most controversial players ever to play the NBA but that didn't bother MJ when he signed for the Bulls.
Supporting the Bulls decision to bring in Rodman, the 63-year-old was often lambasted for his lapses in concentration on the court.
However, Jordan was fairly unbothered, as you should be, when it came to how Rodman dressed or acted.
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“I don't try to evaluate what Dennis Rodman is all about," said the six-time NBA Finals MVP.
"Why does he change his hair color or paint his nails? As players, that shouldn't be important to us.
"Dennis understands winning. He has been with championship teams.
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"With him coming to Chicago, knowing what we are, and our commitment to success, I don't think he's here to break that down and be a negative factor."
Jordan recognised that the Bulls would be a whole lot better off with the support of his new teammate.
So much so, he continued to believe in Dennis even though he was still involved in dramas on and off the court.
“You can't find another player on the basketball court that works just as hard as Dennis Rodman," added Jordan.
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"He gives 110 percent, dives for loose balls even if he can't get them—that's Dennis Rodman.”