Dorian Finney-Smith's Salute: A Gesture of Respect and Resilience

Dennis Rodman isn’t just an NBA legend—he’s one of the most unpredictable, rebellious, and entertaining athletes in sports history. Known for his elite rebounding, lockdown defense, and eccentric personality, Rodman was a crucial part of the Chicago Bulls dynasty alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.
But Rodman wasn’t just about basketball. He was a free spirit, someone who lived life his own way—whether it was colorful hairstyles, wild parties, or skipping practice for pro wrestling. Yes, you read that right!
Rodman once left the Bulls during the 1998 NBA Finals just to wrestle with Hulk Hogan in WCW! π€―
In June 1998, the Chicago Bulls were in the middle of their epic NBA Finals showdown against the Utah Jazz. Every game mattered. Every practice was crucial.
But Dennis Rodman had other plans.
Instead of attending practice, Rodman vanished. The Bulls had no idea where he was—until they turned on the TV and saw him in WCW Monday Nitro standing alongside Hulk Hogan and the nWo (New World Order)! π±π€Ό♂️
Imagine being Phil Jackson, Michael Jordan, or Scottie Pippen and seeing your starting power forward wrestling on TV instead of preparing for the Finals.
MJ probably said: "Man, this guy is WILD!" π
This wasn’t the first time Rodman stepped into the wrestling ring. He had built a friendship with Hulk Hogan and had already made multiple WCW appearances before.
π Some of his biggest wrestling moments:
✅ 1997: Debuted in WCW alongside Hulk Hogan π₯
✅ 1998: Teamed up with Hogan again, this time against Karl Malone & Diamond Dallas Page
✅ 1999: Fought "Macho Man" Randy Savage in a WCW match π²
Rodman wasn’t just there for fun—he was actually wrestling and competing!
Surprisingly, no major punishments were given. Why? Because Rodman still showed up and dominated on the court!
After skipping practice to wrestle, Rodman returned and helped the Bulls win Game 4 of the NBA Finals. He even played key minutes in Game 6, securing the Bulls' sixth championship. π
Michael Jordan later said: "We just let Rodman be Rodman, as long as he delivered."
And boy, did he deliver!
Rodman’s decision to skip practice for wrestling became one of the most infamous stories in NBA history. But it also cemented him as one of the most unique and fearless athletes ever.
π₯ What makes Rodman so legendary?
✔️ Elite Rebounding – 5x NBA champion, 2x Defensive Player of the Year π
✔️ Fearless Personality – Never cared about rules, just played his way π₯
✔️ Cross-Sport Superstar – Balanced NBA and pro wrestling at the same time π€Ό♂️
Dennis Rodman wasn’t just a basketball player. He was a larger-than-life character who broke all the rules—but still won championships! π―
Skipping practice during the NBA Finals for wrestling? Only Dennis Rodman could pull that off. And somehow, he still played a crucial role in helping the Bulls secure their last championship.
Rodman showed that sports aren’t just about discipline and structure—they’re also about personality, entertainment, and doing things YOUR way.
Would you have let Rodman get away with it? Or would you have punished him? π€ Drop your thoughts below! ππ¬
π¨ ONLY RODMAN COULD DO THIS!
During the 1998 NBA Finals, Dennis Rodman skipped Bulls practice and disappeared. The team had NO IDEA where he was... until they turned on the TV. πΊ
And guess what? Rodman was in WCW wrestling alongside Hulk Hogan! π²π€Ό♂️
π₯ The crazy part?
✔️ He didn’t get suspended.
✔️ He came back & dominated in Game 4.
✔️ He helped the Bulls win their 6th NBA Championship! π
Rodman was more than a basketball player—he was an entertainer, a rebel, and a CHAMPION. π―
Would YOU have let Rodman get away with this? π€ Drop your thoughts below! ππ¬
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