Did you watch the ESPN 30 for 30 documentary on Dennis Rodman?

[Admiral]

I just watched it yesterday, and was disappointed that they completely skipped over his years with the Spurs. It jumped from his time ending in Detroit, to him joining the Bulls. I wondered if it was a glitch or something. Any idea why his Spurs years weren't featured?

I really enjoyed watching him play for us, but feel that he made it all about himself rather than the team. I blame him more than anyone for our loss to the Rockets in 1995. If he had shown up on time for practice and games, and actually done what the coach asked him to do, we might've won our first championship four years earlier.

Regardless, Dennis was (and still is) a troubled soul. It's really sad. For those who watched it, what were your thoughts?

[UZER]

I just watched it yesterday, and was disappointed that they completely skipped over his years with the Spurs. It jumped from his time ending in Detroit, to him joining the Bulls. I wondered if it was a glitch or something. Any idea why his Spurs years weren't featured?

I really enjoyed watching him play for us, but feel that he made it all about himself rather than the team. I blame him more than anyone for our loss to the Rockets in 1995. If he had shown up on time for practice and games, and actually done what the coach asked him to do, we might've won our first championship four years earlier.

Regardless, Dennis was (and still is) a troubled soul. It's really sad. For those who watched it, what were your thoughts?

Because I said so.

:pop:

[baseline bum]

Fucking ESPN trying to rewrite history. I was disgusted watching Rodman and Pippen on an ESPN clip earlier today and he was talking about how he busted his ass in San Antonio. Bullshit. Jacking up threes in the first quarter of a must win WCF game because you're in a pissing match with the coach and want him to bench you isn't busting your ass. San Antonio loved Rodman and he just took a wet shit all over his fans that WCF. I'll admit it, in 1995 I was a bigger Rodman fan than I was David or Sean until he pulled that crap in the WCF.

[daslicer]

I just watched it yesterday, and was disappointed that they completely skipped over his years with the Spurs. It jumped from his time ending in Detroit, to him joining the Bulls. I wondered if it was a glitch or something. Any idea why his Spurs years weren't featured?

I really enjoyed watching him play for us, but feel that he made it all about himself rather than the team. I blame him more than anyone for our loss to the Rockets in 1995. If he had shown up on time for practice and games, and actually done what the coach asked him to do, we might've won our first championship four years earlier.

Regardless, Dennis was (and still is) a troubled soul. It's really sad. For those who watched it, what were your thoughts?

I saw it last week and the Spurs years were featured on there. They weren't as long as the bulls and pistons years but they did have a 7-10 minute segment on his time with the Spurs. David Robinson provided some good commentary about playing with him.

[tmtcsc]

Dennis Rodman played hard and did what he was known for - rebounding the ball. He lost his way and threw childish tantrums at the end of the playoffs during his final year in San Antonio but make no mistake, he was amazing on the court and showed what sort of drive and talent he had. In the end, the coach couldn't control him (Not Pop). I don't think he was the biggest reason the Spurs lost in the WCF. Hakeem had more to do with that.

[ambchang]

Rodman was a back stabber who’s childish antics cost the spurs a championship.

One of the most disappointing players the spurs had.

[lefty]

Thank Robinson and AJ for driving him away with all their bible thimping

Srsly, Hakeem’s punching bag invited him in a restaurant to brainwash him , ffs :lmao

[Phenomanul]

Thank Robinson and AJ for driving him away with all their bible thimping

Srsly, Hakeem’s punching bag invited him in a restaurant to brainwash him , ffs :lmao

No matter how many times you repeat this lie, it doesn't make it true.

Rodman only RETROACTIVELY criticized Robinson's beliefs after he felt vindicated in Chicago. BUT he was completely at fault for failing to show up mentally against the Rockets, and he was rightfully ostracized for doing so. His tantrums THAT series were incredibly disruptive. Let's recap:

Game 1 Spurs 93 / Rockets 94
Mario Elie sinks a dagger due to miscommunication between Rodman and Del Negro. Rodman doesn't return to cover his man on a switch everything scheme and Elie makes the Spurs pay. There is a huge altercation between the Spurs coaching staff and Rodman after the game.

Game 2 Spurs 96 / Rockets 106
Rodman still peeved at coach Hill for being publicly blamed for the defensive lapse that led to Elie's dagger in Game 1 - decides that he is now a 3-point specialist. He takes his first 3 a couple of minutes into the game, looks over at the coach does the MJ shrug, and jogs down the floor on defense (Sam Cassell makes a breakaway layup off of the long rebound). Hill yanks his hair in disbelief. After Rodman's next two 3 point attempts, he is yanked out of the game. Rodman takes off his shoes in disgust. The Rockets meanwhile have built a 15 point lead.

Game 3 Spurs 107 / Rockets 102
The Spurs win a critical Game 3 at HOUSTON in no large part because Rodman was disciplined by the coach and didn't play at all.

Game 4 Spurs 103 / Rockets 81
Rodman returns to the lineup and the Spurs win BIG in Game 4. After the game the coach apologizes for publicly blaming Rodman after the Game 1 loss. "They win as a team and lose as a team". The ship is seemingly righted. You would think everything between Rodman and the team was resolved, but no. Rodman doesn't make it to the charter bus back in time due to excessive partying in Houston.

Game 5 Spurs 90 / Rockets 111
Game 5 is insanely critical and Rodman is again disciplined and demoted to the bench due to his insubordination (and conduct detrimental to the team) - Rodman throws another tantrum midway through the 3rd quarter, again takes off his shoes and refuses to put them on again. The Spurs lose at home - yet again - Cassell has the game of his career.

Game 6 Spurs 95 / Rockets 100
The entire team sits down with Rodman prior to the game - a no coaches team meeting. The Spurs start the game strong and match Houston punch-for-punch. Everyone seems focused. Rodman quietly is having his best game in the series. The game comes down to the wire. With about a minute and change left in the game the Rockets call time out. All series long Olajuwon has been hoisting up 25+ attempts per game, but the coaches feel that David has defended Olajuwon well in the 4th quarter so they call for single coverages - they emphasize it. The Rockets inbound the ball and dump the ball low to Olajuwon, Hakeem surveys the floor just in time to see Rodman running towards him - Horry is left open. Olajuwon flings the ball to Horry and he sinks the 3 point dagger. Hill is beside himself calls time out and yanks Rodman from the game. Rodman doesn't even sit on the bench or watch the rest of the game... he walks straight towards the locker room. That was the last time he wore a Spurs jersey.

[SpursDynasty85]

No matter how many times you repeat this lie, it doesn't make it true.

Rodman only RETROACTIVELY criticized Robinson's beliefs after he felt vindicated in Chicago. BUT he was completely at fault for failing to show up mentally against the Rockets, and he was rightfully ostracized for doing so. His tantrums THAT series were incredibly disruptive. Let's recap:

Game 1 Spurs 93 / Rockets 94
Mario Elie sinks a dagger due to miscommunication between Rodman and Del Negro. Rodman doesn't return to cover his man on a switch everything scheme and Elie makes the Spurs pay. There is a huge altercation between the Spurs coaching staff and Rodman after the game.

Game 2 Spurs 96 / Rockets 106
Rodman still peeved at coach Hill for being publicly blamed for the defensive lapse that led to Elie's dagger in Game 1 - decides that he is now a 3-point specialist. He takes his first 3 a couple of minutes into the game, looks over at the coach does the MJ shrug, and jogs down the floor on defense (Sam Cassell makes a breakaway layup off of the long rebound). Hill yanks his hair in disbelief. After Rodman's next two 3 point attempts, he is yanked out of the game. Rodman takes off his shoes in disgust. The Rockets meanwhile have built a 15 point lead.

Game 3 Spurs 107 / Rockets 102
The Spurs win a critical Game 3 at HOUSTON in no large part because Rodman was disciplined by the coach and didn't play at all.

Game 4 Spurs 103 / Rockets 81
Rodman returns to the lineup and the Spurs win BIG in Game 4. After the game the coach apologizes for publicly blaming Rodman after the Game 1 loss. "They win as a team and lose as a team". The ship is seemingly righted. You would think everything between Rodman and the team was resolved, but no. Rodman doesn't make it to the charter bus back in time due to excessive partying in Houston.

Game 5 Spurs 90 / Rockets 111
Game 5 is insanely critical and Rodman is again disciplined and demoted to the bench due to his insubordination (and conduct detrimental to the team) - Rodman throws another tantrum midway through the 3rd quarter, again takes off his shoes and refuses to put them on again. The Spurs lose at home - yet again - Cassell has the game of his career.

Game 6 Spurs 95 / Rockets 100
The entire team sits down with Rodman prior to the game - a no coaches team meeting. The Spurs start the game strong and match Houston punch-for-punch. Everyone seems focused. Rodman quietly is having his best game in the series. The game comes down to the wire. With about a minute and change left in the game the Rockets call time out. All series long Olajuwon has been hoisting up 25+ attempts per game, but the coaches feel that David has defended Olajuwon well in the 4th quarter so they call for single coverages - they emphasize it. The Rockets inbound the ball and dump the ball low to Olajuwon, Hakeem surveys the floor just in time to see Rodman running towards him - Horry is left open. Olajuwon flings the ball to Horry and he sinks the 3 point dagger. Hill is beside himself calls time out and yanks Rodman from the game. Rodman doesn't even sit on the bench or watch the rest of the game... he walks straight towards the locker room. That was the last time he wore a Spurs jersey.

Wow. Interesting stuff. I never got to watch this series. I guess Rodman's part in the series was a big deal.

[Dverde]

Rodman’s diva antics were just ahead of its time. He would blend in with today’s NBA.

[lefty]

No matter how many times you repeat this lie, it doesn't make it true.

Rodman only RETROACTIVELY criticized Robinson's beliefs after he felt vindicated in Chicago. BUT he was completely at fault for failing to show up mentally against the Rockets, and he was rightfully ostracized for doing so. His tantrums THAT series were incredibly disruptive. Let's recap:

Game 1 Spurs 93 / Rockets 94
Mario Elie sinks a dagger due to miscommunication between Rodman and Del Negro. Rodman doesn't return to cover his man on a switch everything scheme and Elie makes the Spurs pay. There is a huge altercation between the Spurs coaching staff and Rodman after the game.

Game 2 Spurs 96 / Rockets 106
Rodman still peeved at coach Hill for being publicly blamed for the defensive lapse that led to Elie's dagger in Game 1 - decides that he is now a 3-point specialist. He takes his first 3 a couple of minutes into the game, looks over at the coach does the MJ shrug, and jogs down the floor on defense (Sam Cassell makes a breakaway layup off of the long rebound). Hill yanks his hair in disbelief. After Rodman's next two 3 point attempts, he is yanked out of the game. Rodman takes off his shoes in disgust. The Rockets meanwhile have built a 15 point lead.

Game 3 Spurs 107 / Rockets 102
The Spurs win a critical Game 3 at HOUSTON in no large part because Rodman was disciplined by the coach and didn't play at all.

Game 4 Spurs 103 / Rockets 81
Rodman returns to the lineup and the Spurs win BIG in Game 4. After the game the coach apologizes for publicly blaming Rodman after the Game 1 loss. "They win as a team and lose as a team". The ship is seemingly righted. You would think everything between Rodman and the team was resolved, but no. Rodman doesn't make it to the charter bus back in time due to excessive partying in Houston.

Game 5 Spurs 90 / Rockets 111
Game 5 is insanely critical and Rodman is again disciplined and demoted to the bench due to his insubordination (and conduct detrimental to the team) - Rodman throws another tantrum midway through the 3rd quarter, again takes off his shoes and refuses to put them on again. The Spurs lose at home - yet again - Cassell has the game of his career.

Game 6 Spurs 95 / Rockets 100
The entire team sits down with Rodman prior to the game - a no coaches team meeting. The Spurs start the game strong and match Houston punch-for-punch. Everyone seems focused. Rodman quietly is having his best game in the series. The game comes down to the wire. With about a minute and change left in the game the Rockets call time out. All series long Olajuwon has been hoisting up 25+ attempts per game, but the coaches feel that David has defended Olajuwon well in the 4th quarter so they call for single coverages - they emphasize it. The Rockets inbound the ball and dump the ball low to Olajuwon, Hakeem surveys the floor just in time to see Rodman running towards him - Horry is left open. Olajuwon flings the ball to Horry and he sinks the 3 point dagger. Hill is beside himself calls time out and yanks Rodman from the game. Rodman doesn't even sit on the bench or watch the rest of the game... he walks straight towards the locker room. That was the last time he wore a Spurs jersey.

Nice breakdown tbh

[superbigtime]

No matter how many times you repeat this lie, it doesn't make it true.

Rodman only RETROACTIVELY criticized Robinson's beliefs after he felt vindicated in Chicago. BUT he was completely at fault for failing to show up mentally against the Rockets, and he was rightfully ostracized for doing so. His tantrums THAT series were incredibly disruptive. Let's recap:

Game 1 Spurs 93 / Rockets 94
Mario Elie sinks a dagger due to miscommunication between Rodman and Del Negro. Rodman doesn't return to cover his man on a switch everything scheme and Elie makes the Spurs pay. There is a huge altercation between the Spurs coaching staff and Rodman after the game.

Game 2 Spurs 96 / Rockets 106
Rodman still peeved at coach Hill for being publicly blamed for the defensive lapse that led to Elie's dagger in Game 1 - decides that he is now a 3-point specialist. He takes his first 3 a couple of minutes into the game, looks over at the coach does the MJ shrug, and jogs down the floor on defense (Sam Cassell makes a breakaway layup off of the long rebound). Hill yanks his hair in disbelief. After Rodman's next two 3 point attempts, he is yanked out of the game. Rodman takes off his shoes in disgust. The Rockets meanwhile have built a 15 point lead.

Game 3 Spurs 107 / Rockets 102
The Spurs win a critical Game 3 at HOUSTON in no large part because Rodman was disciplined by the coach and didn't play at all.

Game 4 Spurs 103 / Rockets 81
Rodman returns to the lineup and the Spurs win BIG in Game 4. After the game the coach apologizes for publicly blaming Rodman after the Game 1 loss. "They win as a team and lose as a team". The ship is seemingly righted. You would think everything between Rodman and the team was resolved, but no. Rodman doesn't make it to the charter bus back in time due to excessive partying in Houston.

Game 5 Spurs 90 / Rockets 111
Game 5 is insanely critical and Rodman is again disciplined and demoted to the bench due to his insubordination (and conduct detrimental to the team) - Rodman throws another tantrum midway through the 3rd quarter, again takes off his shoes and refuses to put them on again. The Spurs lose at home - yet again - Cassell has the game of his career.

Game 6 Spurs 95 / Rockets 100
The entire team sits down with Rodman prior to the game - a no coaches team meeting. The Spurs start the game strong and match Houston punch-for-punch. Everyone seems focused. Rodman quietly is having his best game in the series. The game comes down to the wire. With about a minute and change left in the game the Rockets call time out. All series long Olajuwon has been hoisting up 25+ attempts per game, but the coaches feel that David has defended Olajuwon well in the 4th quarter so they call for single coverages - they emphasize it. The Rockets inbound the ball and dump the ball low to Olajuwon, Hakeem surveys the floor just in time to see Rodman running towards him - Horry is left open. Olajuwon flings the ball to Horry and he sinks the 3 point dagger. Hill is beside himself calls time out and yanks Rodman from the game. Rodman doesn't even sit on the bench or watch the rest of the game... he walks straight towards the locker room. That was the last time he wore a Spurs jersey.

thank you for this nice succinct review. rodman was a very talented guy with terrific ability and a child mind who was a square peg with the team and coaches. i remember those nike commercials in the barbershop with dave.

[Poolboy5623]

I was actually surprised they not only spent time on the Spurs but a good 6-8 mins on them. He was happy not winning a title in SA. He wanted out and was going to do whatever it took...

The bigger surprise to me was trading for him right after the incident in his truck with the gun. Talk about a red flag.

[playblair]

no

[phxspurfan]

Fuck BSPN tbh

[Chucho]

Rodman used to get his hair painted at the studio near Ruth's Chris off Jones-Maltsberger n 281 near the Quarry (well, when it was still abandoned Alamo Cement). He never asked for an autograph, he was still somewhat intimidating, but slapped fives n whatnot.

[UZER]

Edit: wrong thread

[Admiral]

I saw it last week and the Spurs years were featured on there. They weren't as long as the bulls and pistons years but they did have a 7-10 minute segment on his time with the Spurs. David Robinson provided some good commentary about playing with him.

Thanks, it must be an issue with the version currently posted on watchespn.com. I tried it on the app as well as my computer and it had nothing about his Spurs years. Weird.

[Admiral]

No matter how many times you repeat this lie, it doesn't make it true.

Rodman only RETROACTIVELY criticized Robinson's beliefs after he felt vindicated in Chicago. BUT he was completely at fault for failing to show up mentally against the Rockets, and he was rightfully ostracized for doing so. His tantrums THAT series were incredibly disruptive. Let's recap:

Game 1 Spurs 93 / Rockets 94
Mario Elie sinks a dagger due to miscommunication between Rodman and Del Negro. Rodman doesn't return to cover his man on a switch everything scheme and Elie makes the Spurs pay. There is a huge altercation between the Spurs coaching staff and Rodman after the game.

Game 2 Spurs 96 / Rockets 106
Rodman still peeved at coach Hill for being publicly blamed for the defensive lapse that led to Elie's dagger in Game 1 - decides that he is now a 3-point specialist. He takes his first 3 a couple of minutes into the game, looks over at the coach does the MJ shrug, and jogs down the floor on defense (Sam Cassell makes a breakaway layup off of the long rebound). Hill yanks his hair in disbelief. After Rodman's next two 3 point attempts, he is yanked out of the game. Rodman takes off his shoes in disgust. The Rockets meanwhile have built a 15 point lead.

Game 3 Spurs 107 / Rockets 102
The Spurs win a critical Game 3 at HOUSTON in no large part because Rodman was disciplined by the coach and didn't play at all.

Game 4 Spurs 103 / Rockets 81
Rodman returns to the lineup and the Spurs win BIG in Game 4. After the game the coach apologizes for publicly blaming Rodman after the Game 1 loss. "They win as a team and lose as a team". The ship is seemingly righted. You would think everything between Rodman and the team was resolved, but no. Rodman doesn't make it to the charter bus back in time due to excessive partying in Houston.

Game 5 Spurs 90 / Rockets 111
Game 5 is insanely critical and Rodman is again disciplined and demoted to the bench due to his insubordination (and conduct detrimental to the team) - Rodman throws another tantrum midway through the 3rd quarter, again takes off his shoes and refuses to put them on again. The Spurs lose at home - yet again - Cassell has the game of his career.

Game 6 Spurs 95 / Rockets 100
The entire team sits down with Rodman prior to the game - a no coaches team meeting. The Spurs start the game strong and match Houston punch-for-punch. Everyone seems focused. Rodman quietly is having his best game in the series. The game comes down to the wire. With about a minute and change left in the game the Rockets call time out. All series long Olajuwon has been hoisting up 25+ attempts per game, but the coaches feel that David has defended Olajuwon well in the 4th quarter so they call for single coverages - they emphasize it. The Rockets inbound the ball and dump the ball low to Olajuwon, Hakeem surveys the floor just in time to see Rodman running towards him - Horry is left open. Olajuwon flings the ball to Horry and he sinks the 3 point dagger. Hill is beside himself calls time out and yanks Rodman from the game. Rodman doesn't even sit on the bench or watch the rest of the game... he walks straight towards the locker room. That was the last time he wore a Spurs jersey.

THIS! Thank you for this excellent recap. I'm so tired of Rodman getting a pass for this series, when he was the main reason we lost. People have no problem blaming David, but Rodman somehow escapes blame. The idea that he was this tough, hard-nosed warrior on the court is such crap. He was all about himself, as evidenced by this series.

[Russ]

Doc Rivers is still pissed about that '95 playoffs, Doc's last desperate shot at a ring.

And Doc still blames Rodman to this day.

[UZER]

THIS! Thank you for this excellent recap. I'm so tired of Rodman getting a pass for this series, when he was the main reason we lost. People have no problem blaming David, but Rodman somehow escapes blame. The idea that he was this tough, hard-nosed warrior on the court is such crap. He was all about himself, as evidenced by this series.

The Spurs Rodman saga is the ultimate example of media bias. When he was with the Spurs, broadcasters on air would making statements that he shouldn’t be in the league. As soon as he joined MJ, he went from dirty scum to “just misunderstood” and exciting overnight.

[Capt Bringdown]

Rodman wasn't going to respect Bob Hill. Rodman respected Daly and PJ because they were winners.
Hill was/is a loser.

[venitian navigator]

Hill imho was a more than decent coach and probably fucked by our organization by Pop's decision to fire him...maybe one of the firing reasons was that Hill wasn't able to deal with Rodman, and that cost us Houston's loss and a road to the finals. But the main reason of the firing, if I remember correctly, was that Hill didn't want to sit David for the entire season after his injury.
Reason 1 is understandable but a little weak. Frankly, also if Hill wasn't good at dealing with players, we can't forget how unprofessional and immature was Rodman at that time. I consider Rodman 90 per cent responsible of our loss with Houston and the fact that we let go a big time player for a simpathetic but mediocre player like will Perdue speack volumes about how low Rodman was considered not only by our team but also from the rest of the league at the time... Rodman simply pretended to be anarchic and not be blamed by his coach for that behavior... so I don't blame Hill that much but its inevitable that his inability to deal with the problem put a little stain on the confidence in him as a coach.
Reason 2 is totally on Pop's philosophy about get over yourself...at the time was clear that we weren't going anywhere and lottery was a chance to take but probably Hill decided to play Robinson as soon as he was recovered from injury without putting his health at grave risk...just for a better regular season record.
In retrospect, Pop's decision was right and the one to make for the greater good of the team...and probably Hill was a stubborn old school coach with no future vision and not good at dealing with player's character problems...
That said, you can't blame that much a coach for trying to win more games or for going hard against a player that behave the way Rodman behaved...
in the end you have to be happy for the team but you also have to be sorry for the way things went for Hill because of Pop's decisions...

[azarel]

tks for all the sharing guys. very informative for fans like me who didn't have access to NBA news during that period.

[manufan10]

Doc Rivers is still pissed about that '95 playoffs, Doc's last desperate shot at a ring.

And Doc still blames Rodman to this day.

Do you have any sources for this? I'd love to look more into it. 1995 was really before I really got into watching basketball. I was a fan of the Spurs/Rockets, but didn't understand some of the nuances of things. Stories like this intrigue me.

[alamo50]

Phenomenal post Phenomanul

[Coach X]

No matter how many times you repeat this lie, it doesn't make it true.

Rodman only RETROACTIVELY criticized Robinson's beliefs after he felt vindicated in Chicago. BUT he was completely at fault for failing to show up mentally against the Rockets, and he was rightfully ostracized for doing so. His tantrums THAT series were incredibly disruptive. Let's recap:

Game 1 Spurs 93 / Rockets 94
Mario Elie sinks a dagger due to miscommunication between Rodman and Del Negro. Rodman doesn't return to cover his man on a switch everything scheme and Elie makes the Spurs pay. There is a huge altercation between the Spurs coaching staff and Rodman after the game.

Game 2 Spurs 96 / Rockets 106
Rodman still peeved at coach Hill for being publicly blamed for the defensive lapse that led to Elie's dagger in Game 1 - decides that he is now a 3-point specialist. He takes his first 3 a couple of minutes into the game, looks over at the coach does the MJ shrug, and jogs down the floor on defense (Sam Cassell makes a breakaway layup off of the long rebound). Hill yanks his hair in disbelief. After Rodman's next two 3 point attempts, he is yanked out of the game. Rodman takes off his shoes in disgust. The Rockets meanwhile have built a 15 point lead.

Game 3 Spurs 107 / Rockets 102
The Spurs win a critical Game 3 at HOUSTON in no large part because Rodman was disciplined by the coach and didn't play at all.

Game 4 Spurs 103 / Rockets 81
Rodman returns to the lineup and the Spurs win BIG in Game 4. After the game the coach apologizes for publicly blaming Rodman after the Game 1 loss. "They win as a team and lose as a team". The ship is seemingly righted. You would think everything between Rodman and the team was resolved, but no. Rodman doesn't make it to the charter bus back in time due to excessive partying in Houston.

Game 5 Spurs 90 / Rockets 111
Game 5 is insanely critical and Rodman is again disciplined and demoted to the bench due to his insubordination (and conduct detrimental to the team) - Rodman throws another tantrum midway through the 3rd quarter, again takes off his shoes and refuses to put them on again. The Spurs lose at home - yet again - Cassell has the game of his career.

Game 6 Spurs 95 / Rockets 100
The entire team sits down with Rodman prior to the game - a no coaches team meeting. The Spurs start the game strong and match Houston punch-for-punch. Everyone seems focused. Rodman quietly is having his best game in the series. The game comes down to the wire. With about a minute and change left in the game the Rockets call time out. All series long Olajuwon has been hoisting up 25+ attempts per game, but the coaches feel that David has defended Olajuwon well in the 4th quarter so they call for single coverages - they emphasize it. The Rockets inbound the ball and dump the ball low to Olajuwon, Hakeem surveys the floor just in time to see Rodman running towards him - Horry is left open. Olajuwon flings the ball to Horry and he sinks the 3 point dagger. Hill is beside himself calls time out and yanks Rodman from the game. Rodman doesn't even sit on the bench or watch the rest of the game... he walks straight towards the locker room. That was the last time he wore a Spurs jersey.
Thanks for the detailed recap.

That's quality posting: a lot of facts supporting an opinion

[rastaspur]

Rodman came across crazier than i ever imagined.

That relationship with that 12 year old white boy was strange. Not michael jackson level, but kind on concerning.

Also, he let racist white people shit all over him. Looked like a cowardly uncle tom tbh.

[HWoodNixon]

Rodman came across crazier than i ever imagined.

That relationship with that 12 year old white boy was strange. Not michael jackson level, but kind on concerning.

Also, he let racist white people shit all over him. Looked like a cowardly uncle tom tbh.


anyone else get a weird gay vibe between him and Isaiah Thomas?

[rastaspur]

No matter how many times you repeat this lie, it doesn't make it true.

Rodman only RETROACTIVELY criticized Robinson's beliefs after he felt vindicated in Chicago. BUT he was completely at fault for failing to show up mentally against the Rockets, and he was rightfully ostracized for doing so. His tantrums THAT series were incredibly disruptive. Let's recap:

Game 1 Spurs 93 / Rockets 94
Mario Elie sinks a dagger due to miscommunication between Rodman and Del Negro. Rodman doesn't return to cover his man on a switch everything scheme and Elie makes the Spurs pay. There is a huge altercation between the Spurs coaching staff and Rodman after the game.

Game 2 Spurs 96 / Rockets 106
Rodman still peeved at coach Hill for being publicly blamed for the defensive lapse that led to Elie's dagger in Game 1 - decides that he is now a 3-point specialist. He takes his first 3 a couple of minutes into the game, looks over at the coach does the MJ shrug, and jogs down the floor on defense (Sam Cassell makes a breakaway layup off of the long rebound). Hill yanks his hair in disbelief. After Rodman's next two 3 point attempts, he is yanked out of the game. Rodman takes off his shoes in disgust. The Rockets meanwhile have built a 15 point lead.

Game 3 Spurs 107 / Rockets 102
The Spurs win a critical Game 3 at HOUSTON in no large part because Rodman was disciplined by the coach and didn't play at all.

Game 4 Spurs 103 / Rockets 81
Rodman returns to the lineup and the Spurs win BIG in Game 4. After the game the coach apologizes for publicly blaming Rodman after the Game 1 loss. "They win as a team and lose as a team". The ship is seemingly righted. You would think everything between Rodman and the team was resolved, but no. Rodman doesn't make it to the charter bus back in time due to excessive partying in Houston.

Game 5 Spurs 90 / Rockets 111
Game 5 is insanely critical and Rodman is again disciplined and demoted to the bench due to his insubordination (and conduct detrimental to the team) - Rodman throws another tantrum midway through the 3rd quarter, again takes off his shoes and refuses to put them on again. The Spurs lose at home - yet again - Cassell has the game of his career.

Game 6 Spurs 95 / Rockets 100
The entire team sits down with Rodman prior to the game - a no coaches team meeting. The Spurs start the game strong and match Houston punch-for-punch. Everyone seems focused. Rodman quietly is having his best game in the series. The game comes down to the wire. With about a minute and change left in the game the Rockets call time out. All series long Olajuwon has been hoisting up 25+ attempts per game, but the coaches feel that David has defended Olajuwon well in the 4th quarter so they call for single coverages - they emphasize it. The Rockets inbound the ball and dump the ball low to Olajuwon, Hakeem surveys the floor just in time to see Rodman running towards him - Horry is left open. Olajuwon flings the ball to Horry and he sinks the 3 point dagger. Hill is beside himself calls time out and yanks Rodman from the game. Rodman doesn't even sit on the bench or watch the rest of the game... he walks straight towards the locker room. That was the last time he wore a Spurs jersey.

Spot on. And the media basically put that series on robinson and he just coukdnt handle hakeem. The game plan all series was let hakeen get his and limit everyone else. The inside out approach by houston was lethal with all those open shooters when hakeem sucked/drew in the defense. So they tried to take that away from houston.

[rastaspur]

anyone else get a weird gay vibe between him and Isaiah Thomas?

Yes. Isiah penetrated him at some point imo.

[HWoodNixon]

Yes. Isiah penetrated him at some point imo.

Rodman did say that Detroit team was “so close they could have sex with each other.”

[Phenomanul]

Spot on. And the media basically put that series on robinson and he just coukdnt handle hakeem. The game plan all series was let hakeen get his and limit everyone else. The inside out approach by houston was lethal with all those open shooters when hakeem sucked/drew in the defense. So they tried to take that away from houston.

As someone else mentioned in the other Robinson thread, and has been noted on many other occasions, ONE of the primary reasons why the media harshly criticizes David for the Rockets series is because Kenny Smith (who played in that series) has been pumping up Hakeem for 20 plus years on TNT. Not saying that Olajuwon isn't deserving of praise; but notice how NO ONE denigrates Shaquille O'Neal's legacy for being swept by Hakeem's Rockets in the very next series? That's an unfair platform to bash the legacy of another player NEEDLESSLY. Switch Kenny Smith for Sean Elliott on NBA on TNT and the perspective on said matter wouldn't be as slanted.

That 1995 WCF series is often used as the tipping point that defines Olajuwon's superstardom; but Kenny often blabbers about "how Hakeem personally felt insulted that Robinson was named league MVP that season, and took it upon himself to one-up him". It's all fine and dandy as an opinion but it unfairly summarizes a very complex series at Robinson's expense. I cannot stand the sight of Kenny for this reason, or the sound of his voice.

For context, I seem to recall a series where Amare Stoudemire averaged over 37 ppg against the Spurs in the post-season - against a Tim Duncan-anchored defense, no less. But no one would be stupid enough to suggest that Amare > Duncan. He was ALLOWED to shoot it as many times as he wanted in that series so long as Phoenix's 3-ball game could be kept in check. That was the strategy and it worked.

Furthermore, if not for Rodman's mental breakdown during this series the Spurs likely win it, with an inferior team, no less - in no large part because of Robinson's own greatness.

[Xx_SpursNation_xX]

Did anyone else notice how weird Rodman ran?

[HWoodNixon]

As someone else mentioned in the other Robinson thread, and has been noted on many other occasions, ONE of the primary reasons why the media harshly criticizes David for the Rockets series is because Kenny Smith (who played in that series) has been pumping up Hakeem for 20 plus years on TNT. Not saying that Olajuwon isn't deserving of praise; but notice how NO ONE denigrates Shaquille O'Neal's legacy for being swept by Hakeem's Rockets in the very next series? That's an unfair platform to bash the legacy of another player NEEDLESSLY. Switch Kenny Smith for Sean Elliott on NBA on TNT and the perspective on said matter wouldn't be as slanted.

That 1995 WCF series is often used as the tipping point that defines Olajuwon's superstardom; but Kenny often blabbers about "how Hakeem personally felt insulted that Robinson was named league MVP that season, and took it upon himself to one-up him". It's all fine and dandy as an opinion but it unfairly summarizes a very complex series at Robinson's expense. I cannot stand the sight of Kenny for this reason, or the sound of his voice.

For context, I seem to recall a series where Amare Stoudemire averaged over 37 ppg against the Spurs in the post-season - against a Tim Duncan-anchored defense, no less. But no one would be stupid enough to suggest that Amare > Duncan. He was ALLOWED to shoot it as many times as he wanted in that series so long as Phoenix's 3-ball game could be kept in check. That was the strategy and it worked.

Furthermore, if not for Rodman's mental breakdown during this series the Spurs likely win it, with an inferior team, no less - in no large part because of Robinson's own greatness.

You touch on something for sure about Spurs representation in the national media—mainly, lack thereof. I remember Elliott had a short stint with espn before broadcasting with the spurs. Anyone know why he quit?

[rastaspur]

You touch on something for sure about Spurs representation in the national media—mainly, lack thereof. I remember Elliott had a short stint with espn before broadcasting with the spurs. Anyone know why he quit?

Because he came across as intelligent and didn't say a bunch of street slang and act like he might have dropped out of high school like jalen rose. Paul pierce and others.

[HWoodNixon]

Because he came across as intelligent and didn't say a bunch of street slang and act like he might have dropped out of high school like jalen rose. Paul pierce and others.

Does that mean he quit or they let him go?

[FrostKing]

Those were great times for the NBA
Spurs, Rockets, Jazz, Suns and Sonics

[NickiRasgo]

But if the Spurs kept Rodman, Spurs probably won't be able to draft Duncan right?

[azarel]

But if the Spurs kept Rodman, Spurs probably won't be able to draft Duncan right?

not really. it was drob's injury that led us to tank that season if i recalled correctly.

[daslicer]

not really. it was drob's injury that led us to tank that season if i recalled correctly.

Had Rodman been on that team they would have won several more games which could have affected the lottery positioning for the Spurs.

[cutewizard]

Phil must be a great coach to manage Rodman

[cutewizard]

Dennis Rodman played hard and did what he was known for - rebounding the ball. He lost his way and threw childish tantrums at the end of the playoffs during his final year in San Antonio but make no mistake, he was amazing on the court and showed what sort of drive and talent he had. In the end, the coach couldn't control him (Not Pop). I don't think he was the biggest reason the Spurs lost in the WCF. Hakeem had more to do with that.

Agree

[cutewizard]

Rodman vs Draymond, WHO WINS....???

[Kobe'sAchilles]

Phil must be a great coach to manage Rodman
Phil couldn't handle Rodman either. Rodman tried the same bullshit he did in SA with Chicago but Jordan put a stop to it not Phil. In fact, Rodman wore out his welcome in Chicago and Phil wanted him off the team and was convinced they could win without him. They got in a huge public spat where they suspended Rodman I believe, the media was all over it. The only difference was Michael truly was the GOAT and carried that 98 team to a championship.

Rodman cost the Spurs a title shot for sure in 95 and the sad part is that nobody knows the true reason why. Even Rodman doesn't know the answer and has changed his story so many times. It was David was a soft leader. Rodman was the best defender and shouldn't be on Hakeem to start the game only to finish it. The coach was against me. He was held on too tight a leash in San Antonio and wasn't allowed to express himself. All these excuses and for some reason people still listen to his opinion.

The dude cost us game 1 by going in for a rebound instead of playing defense. It's totally inexcusable and Hill rightfully called him out for his shameful Westbrook stat padding. He took 3 threes in the first quarter of game 2 and played zero defense and then smirked to Hill like a child. All this bullshit of Rodman always plays hard narrative should've ended in 95 but it didn't. He took off his shoes and quit on the team.

The team really came together because of these bullshit antics of Rodman and took game 3. Amazing performance and they showed real champions pride by not rolling over and dying. Somehow (maybe the drugs wore off) they talked some sense into him and he regained some semblance of pride and we won game 4 as well. But any good he did in that game was immediately replaced with bad in the next two games as Dennis refused to listen to the game plan, refused to be coached and refused to be held responsible for any of his blatant mistakes.

Fuck Dennis Rodman. You can always tell if a Spurs fan is a newbie or not just based on whether or not they hold any respect for Rodman or talk glowingly about him. The dude pulled the ultimate bitch move, cost David a prime title, and made me listen to all the bullshit Rocket fans trash talk my team for the next 12 years (they shut up once we won 3 titles). Also the second best thing Pop ever did was trading Dennis Rodman. I would've taken 45 year old Robert Parish for him.

[NickiRasgo]

not really. it was drob's injury that led us to tank that season if i recalled correctly.

Well part of it is that DRob took some load from the absence of Rodman which maybe resulted to his injury.

[cutewizard]

Who was the starting five that year?

[FrostKing]

Spurs
PG: Avery
SG: Del Negro / Rivers
SF: Elliot / J.R Reid
PF: Rodman / Chuck Person
C: Robinson / Cummings


Rockets
PG: Smith / Cassell
SG: Ellie
SF: Drexler
PF: Horry / Charles Jones
C: Hakeem



Bad matchup for Spurs. If you ranked those 7 guards (including Drexler) the Rockets had a major advantage. Then you had versatile Horry versus offensive liability Rodman. That is why Hakeem receives the praise he does because he was the only legit post player the Rockets had against that Spurs front line. Charles Jones? Played 3 regular season games in 1995

[Russ]

Doc Rivers is still pissed about that '95 playoffs, Doc's last desperate shot at a ring.

And Doc still blames Rodman to this day.



Do you have any sources for this? I'd love to look more into it. 1995 was really before I really got into watching basketball. I was a fan of the Spurs/Rockets, but didn't understand some of the nuances of things. Stories like this intrigue me.


Mike Lupica claims Doc Rivers called Rodman before Doc signed with the Spurs. (Lupica says Doc told him this.)

According to Lupica, Doc wanted assurances from Rodman. Doc told Rodman this was his last shot at a ring and asked Rodman point blank -- are you all in? Can you promise you won't pull any bullshit?

Rodman promised Doc but then, as we know, Rodman quit on the team during the playoffs. Doc was crushed and never forgave Rodman.

[Poolboy5623]

Idk...even if rodman behaves the Spurs guards compared to hou was a joke imo