"He squeezed my a**": James Worthy shares absurd story of how Dennis Rodman played psychological games
Dennis Rodman, always a fierce competitor, is best remembered for his multicolored hair and a dominant stint with the Chicago Bulls second three-peat. He was also highly skilled in the psychological to shake his opponent, as former LA Lakers star James Worthy can attest.
Rodman won five championships and is a Hall of Famer. He was also a seven-time rebounding champ and was the Defensive Player of the Year twice while making eight All-Defensive teams.
On the "All the Smoke" podcast, the All-Star talked about how Rodman looked to get inside Worthy's head during a game.
"He was bad, man," Worthy said, "Dennis was a machine. He could guard anybody on the floor. He had the psychological games. He'd get in your head. Before the game, he'd give a dap.
He squeezed my a** a little too. ...It wasn't like, 'Let's go.' So, now you're thinking. You're running down the court thinking about this m*****f***** while he is getting to every f****** offensive rebound... His footspeed matched mine. So, all my little quick s*** (didn't work.) Dennis, he was a beast, man," added Worthy.
Worthy won three championships during his 12-year tenure with the Lakers. However, it would appear that Rodman left a lasting impression on him.
Dennis Rodman "took pride in not scoring," according to Steve Kerr
Steve Kerr was part of the same Chicago Bulls roster that won three championships with Rodman. According to Kerr, Rodman used to take pride in not scoring, as he piled all of his focus onto defense and rebound.
Kerr's comments came on the "Tolbert & Copes Podcast." The Golden State Warriors coach has nine championship rings, five as a player and four as a head coach. As such, Kerr has seen a lot of fascinating things on a basketball court, yet he still remembers Rodman's mindset.
"I think he took great pride in not scoring," Kerr said on the "Tolbert and Copes Podcast," "It was bizarre. When we were in Chicago together, he would have games where he would get an offensive board and have a layup, and he would throw it back out hoping that we would miss another shot so that he could get another offensive board."
Rodman was one of the most dominant defenders and rebounders of his generation. Having such a laser focus on that side of the court is likely why Rodman had such a high level of success. Nevertheless, most NBA players want to be remembered for their scoring ability, and that's why Kerr still remembers Rodman's preference for defense.