Dennis Rodman and HOF

[Cman]

Interesting article about Dennis Rodman
http://blogs.hoopshype.com/blogs/may/2010/02/24/the-enshirement-that-will-never-happen/

Basic synopsis: Dennis should be considered for the HOF, but will never be considered for the HOF because of his strange character. 

Here is the best part of the article:

Only one player in the history of the NBA has led the league in rebounding seven times. That man is Dennis Rodman, who did it from 1991-92 through 1997-98. During that time, he played for three different teams, the Pistons, Spurs and Bulls.

Now, the NBA didn’t start tracking rebounds as an official statistic until after such famed glass eaters as Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain and Nate Thurmond had either retired or were past their primes. But the NBA Guide does list yearly rebound leaders dating back to the 1950-51 season, using total rebounds as the statistic. And since then, only Wilt has led the league in rebounding more times than Rodman.

Now, consider that Rodman was, at best, 6-7. To do what he did at that height with such guys as Patrick Ewing, David Robinson, Hakeem Olajuwon, Shaquille O’Neal, Dikembe Mutombo and Alonzo Mourning around is nothing short of unfathomable. This is a small forward leading the NBA in rebounding. In 1991-92 and 1992-93 he averaged 18.7 and 18.3 rebounds a game, respectively – in the decade since Rodman retired, no one has averaged more than 15.4 a game. You can make the case with almost convincing finality that there has never been a better rebounder, inch for inch, than Dennis Rodman.

[cdif911]

Rodman should be in the HOF without a doubt.  He changed games with his defensive ability and rebounding.  Sure he was a strange cat, but rings don't lie, 5 time champ, 2 time defensive player of the year, 7x all defensive first time, 7 time rebounding champ.  It's a joke if he doesn't get in

[Cman]

It's a joke if he doesn't get in

The NBA.  Where humor happens every day.

[cdif911]

It's a joke if he doesn't get in

The NBA.  Where humor happens every day.

I'm not sure the NBA has much control over who gets in... could be wrong

[Greenbean]

This should not even be a debate. This guy did one thing better than anyone else in the league while he was there. Rebound! It is invaluable for a good defense knowing you can put one guy down there and he will eat anything that clanks off the rim. The fact that this guy was smaller than Lebron James just makes his talent even more apparent. Positioning, and the best timing for rebounds I have seen in my lifetime led him to success.

When you factor in his defense and competitive spirit he should be a lock. I mean he won all those rings as major contributors to those teams. That's no fluke. He was partially responsible for every one on his finger.

It's the Hall of Fame, not Hall of Perfectly Marketble Completely Normal Athletes who Happen to be Good at Basketball.

[j804]

definitely should be in it, but sadly cant say im surprised hes not

[Redz]

basketball HOF or nutball HOF?

should be a shoe in for either

The guy was a game changer.

[Moranis]

statistically as compared to league average Rodman is the greatest rebounder in NBA history and it isn't close.  One could also easily argue he was the greatest defender in NBA history given his versatility and ability to effectively guard elite players at 4 positions.

This is what happens when the NBA refuses to have a HOF. 

[Jon]

I agree he should be in, mostly because of his defense and intangibles.  However, I do think that as far as rebounding we should all recognize the fact that some of those boards came at the detriment to the team's offense.  There were times he was crashing the boards before shots even went up, instances where having him aware of what was going on might've lead to an easy bucket rather than a missed shot.  Also, he was an offensive liability, especially (ironically) in his later career. 

Again, I'm not saying he shouldn't be in; he should.  However, I do think that there are other players in the league who probably could've rebounded like him if they decided to ignore many other facets of their games.  I mean you don't think Barkley or any other All Star big man couldn't have beaten him out had he decided to stop trying to score altogether and just rebound? 

[footey]

Rodman should be in the HOF without a doubt.  He changed games with his defensive ability and rebounding.  Sure he was a strange cat, but rings don't lie, 5 time champ, 2 time defensive player of the year, 7x all defensive first time, 7 time rebounding champ.  It's a joke if he doesn't get in

Totally agree.  He was a great defensive player, maybe one of the all time best, and one of the greatest rebounders ever.  His weak offense and off the court antics should not prevent him from getting into the HOF. When does he become eligible?

[Finkelskyhook]

If anybody calls a career malcontent and loser like Iverson a future hall of famer....Rodman, regardless, is an absolute no-brainer.

[Brendan]

He should be in - prob my all time favorite non-Celt. Would love to have him now and see him guard LeBron.

[Celtics17]

Dennis Rodman has to be one of the most underrated players in league history! The guy was as dominant at times as both Michael and Scottie, just in a different way. He was not only one of the best rebounders of the last twenty years he was also one of if not the best defensive players in the league as well. However, let's get one thing straight, he was not a better rebounder then Wilt or Russ. Wilt would absolutely kill him in rebounding! Wilt would have flicked Rodman's skinny little ... out of the way and snatched the rebound from a foot and half higher then Rodman ever dreamed of getting a rebound. Russ would also have gotten far more rebounds then Dennis as well. I dont know who wrote that article but he/she needs to look a little closer at NBA history.

[Beat LA]

I agree.  Rodman, on pure talent alone, should be in the HOF. 
Without a doubt has to be not only one of the most unique players in NBA history, but also one of the most original personalities (sober or not) of all time.  I believe that both Magic and Kareem have stated in the past that he should be enshrined.  I just wonder what would have happened if he hadn't been a Piston - like, if he was a Celtic, would he have been the same player talent wise without all of the extra-curricular activities on the court?  I'm sure every Celtic fan would have loved his enthusiasm and hardwork on the hardwood.  And who knows, maybe he would have become a much better offensive player in Boston than he ever was in Detroit - I think he had more offensive skill/talent when he entered the league than when he retired, but I digress.

I also think that Dennis Johnson, Sidney Moncrief, Bernard King, and Artis Gilmore should be in there as well - their collective absence is a travesty.

[2short]

I fully agree about dj!
Rodman was a GREAT rebounder and vgood defender.  I'm not sure that should get you into the hall.  He was also a dirty player who tried to hurt other players, no ifs ands or buts on that.  I wish Perk could learn to attack a rebound and move his feet like rodman did.