Mavericks: Dennis Rodman lands 62nd on The Athletic’s top 75

The Dallas Mavericks signed Dennis Rodman in Feb. 2000, just one month after Mark Cuban bought the team. The Worm was 38 years old and two seasons removed from leading the league in rebounds, but the Mavs needed a spark. They were near the bottom of the league in attendance and competing to snap a decade-long playoff drought.

Rodman’s stint in Dallas did not last long. He played in two games before being suspended. The Worm would play in ten more contests for the Mavericks. He averaged 14.3 rebounds per game, but Dallas won just three of his 12 games played. Rodman was released after just a month with the team, and the Mavs finished ninth in the Western Conference.

Dennis Rodman played his final NBA games with the Dallas Mavericks in an unforgettable month-long stint, but fans will most remember him winning championships with the Chicago Bulls and Detroit Pistons. The Hall of Fame earned a special honor on Nov. 18, and here is a closer look at it.

Former Mavericks big man Dennis Rodman named as 62nd best player by The Athletic

The Athletic is ranking the top 75 players of all time to celebrate the league’s 75th anniversary, and Rodman landed 62nd on the list (subscription required). Young fans may not remember The Worm’s greatness. He led the league in rebounding seven times, won two Defensive Player of the Year awards, and has five rings.

Rodman was a tenacious defender that could truly guard every player on the court. No team looked forward to face a locked in Rodman. He was disruptive and seemingly grabbed every rebound. It was truly a sight to behold.

Dennis Rodman did not play his best basketball with the Dallas Mavericks, but the Hall of Famer boosted attendance and got fans talking. The following season, Dirk Nowitzki would lead Dallas for the first of 12 straight appearances. Rodman’s stint is a footnote in that story, but an unforgettable one.