"He's Mr. Discipline, Mr. Straight, Mr. Conservative" - Dennis Rodman admits Gregg Popovich was "the big problem" in San Antonio
After a devastating breakup with the Detroit Pistons, Dennis Rodman thought he had found a new home in San Antonio. The infamous NBA bad boy was thrilled to play alongside superstar center David Robinson. However, he couldn't say the same thing about being coached by Gregg Popovich.
Right off the bat, Rodman sensed that his relationship with Popovich would not be harmonious. Their contrasting personalities and differing philosophies on how to approach the game created an ugly rift.
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The clash ultimately led to Rodman's departure from the Spurs, as Popovich decided to trade him away. In the aftermath of this trade, the legendary forward publicly admitted that he didn't have issues with the Spurs but only with their head coach.
"Gregg Popovich was the big problem in San Antonio," Rodman wrote in 1996, per the Seattle Times. "We didn't get along from the beginning. He's Mr. Discipline, Mr. Straight, Mr. Conservative. He wanted to tame me. Then, when he found out I wasn't his puppy dog, he set out to drag my name through the mud in the NBA."
Rodman said Popovich made it personal
Years have passed, but Rodman's stance on his abrupt Spurs exit remains the same.
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Rather than appreciating and valuing his contributions to the team, Dennis was adamant that Popovich consistently portrayed him in a negative light. According to the Hall of Fame forward, the question of who was right or wrong in their dynamic ultimately lies in the hands of the public.
Still, the two-time Defensive Player of the Year didn't allow the personal feud he had with Gregg to overshadow his performances in the Spurs uniform.
"He (Popovich) hated me, he hated me, he hated my guts because I wasn't a Bible guy," Rodman said in an interview. "They looked at me like I'm the devil. Then I started acting out again because they don't want me here."
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"Am I the same guy that helped David Robinson get the scoring title and MVP? Am I the same guy that averaged 19.3 rebounds for you? Am I the same guy we won 68 damn games (with)? Am I that same guy there, but you guys don't like me? OK, trade me. Of course, they traded me to the damn Bulls," the seven-time NBA rebounding champion pointed out.
Related: "I just got tired of hearing it and just thought it was best for me to move on" - Patrick Ewing admits he regrets leaving the Knicks out of spite
Dennis was accepted in Chicago
The trade involving Rodman ignited considerable controversy when the Spurs sent him to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Will Perdue. Many fans and analysts felt that this deal was outrageous, as Perdue was nowhere near Dennis' caliber as a player. Some even perceived that the trade was Popovich's way of insulting Rodman.
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Despite the initial disappointment, "The Worm" kept his head up and carried on. Once he joined the Bulls, he found a welcoming environment, particularly under the guidance of Phil Jackson. The organization embraced Rodman, recognizing his unique skills and intensity on the court.
In Chicago, Rodman's career reached new heights as he played a crucial role in securing three additional NBA championships. His tenacity and unmatched rebounding ability transformed him into a legendary figure within the Bulls franchise, solidifying his legacy in the annals of NBA history.
Related: "He's lost himself" - Chuck Daly on Rodman's eccentric persona after leaving the Pistons
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