I dunno how to quantify Wilt since the year I was born, he was winning his final ring w/ the Lakers. I've seen a TON of his games, but that's never the same as watching a player game by game as they evolve over the years. By the numbers, Wilt is unmatched. The era he played in was also more physical than anything in the 80s/90s, but the defenses were also nowhere near modern. Plus, there's guys like Moses or Shaq who played against modern defenses, and were DEVASTATING offensive rebounders.
@Domini478 Ugh... Dude Rodman led the league in rebounding 7 times as a 6'6" Power Forward. That's shorter than LeBron. In his best season he averaged 18.7 rebounds a game. That's a lot of fucking rebounds! He might not have scored that much but having a guy that can pull down 18 boards a night will definitely give you the edge you need to win. Without Rodman I don't think that Jordan would have won 6 rings. He didn't win ANY until Pippen and Rodman showed up.
NOBODY can stop a good offensive player 1 on 1 agreed. But in fairness to Dennis, he was young and still learning. Remember, he came to hoops late, much like Olajuwon so he was very raw and unskilled. In time, he developed the tricks of a veteran, the tricks he didn't have in the 80s (Rodman played Magic, my favorite player of all-time, better than anyone ever... and still got torched). But look at Rodman later when he'd go up against Karl Malone, or Shawn Kemp (when Kemp was actually good).
I never saw Wilt either. But one guy ranking the best players ever called Wilt #2, Jordan #3, and that Celtic center of the 60s #1. Interesting note: I remember when Mike Dunleavy was Lakers coach '91, he played and beat them all in 1-on-1. Wow. Those 70s players were no joke.
Even on the court he was crazy and out of control, which overshadowed his statistical accomplishments, his contributions to his teams, and his displays of competitiveness.
Jordan himself has said that Rodman is just as tall as him. It really doesn't matter if you add an inch or 2, leading the league in rebounding with that size is impressive.
Oh yeah, and props ExplosiveThinMan for remembering Worthy's jump shot range accurately ^-= Seems like most people forget the midrange game that Chick always tried to describe as accurately as possible. I mean, there are guys who can nail 12-15 footers all day, but push them back to 18 feet & it's brick city. Or guys who can only make 8 foot hook shots mid-key, but not 12 footers on the wing. Little stuff like that is incredibly important, but many casual fans don't recognize the distinction.
no way rodman was only 6'6" he was always said to be 6'8 quite possible he grew some after his rookie measurements cuz he' s just as tall as magic, in this video you can see Mahorn isonly a few inches taller and he's a legit 6'10"
Rodman was a tremendous defender (and rebounder) but the best? Uh uh. One of Dennis strengths was his versatility as a FORWARD. But Scottie Pippen, Bobby Jones or Michael Cooper were superior wing/perimeter defenders vs quick guards. Yet Rodman wasn't like those 3 skinny guys and could contest strong bigs like Karl Malone or Shawn Kemp in the post, and still switch out on perimeter screens. Underrated was Rodman's ability to ignite and run on the break. That dude threw perfect OVERHEAD outlets.
i agree i think if you look at his body of work as a player on the floor he should be in the hall a fame but people tend to look at his off da court issues look at the rebounding titles
When people ask "who is the best?" My answer is "there is no best in hoops, it's a team sport." Switch Magic onto the Celtics and Bird onto the Lakers, do those teams still finish out the 80s w/ the same number of titles? IMO, there's a point players reach where you can simply say, "that dude is a badass mofo" That said, I think it's fair to say, Wilt could hit the glass with ANYONE who has ever played. But even thought I'm a Laker fan, my fav rebounders are Rodman and Moses Malone.
![News on Worthy's retirement, 1994 [SET VID TO 480p for HQ]](/img/n.gif)
I asked Rodman one time "who is the toughest player he ever guarded" he responded with 3 words "BIG GAME JAMES"
I dunno how to quantify Wilt since the year I was born, he was winning his final ring w/ the Lakers. I've seen a TON of his games, but that's never the same as watching a player game by game as they evolve over the years.
By the numbers, Wilt is unmatched. The era he played in was also more physical than anything in the 80s/90s, but the defenses were also nowhere near modern. Plus, there's guys like Moses or Shaq who played against modern defenses, and were DEVASTATING offensive rebounders.
James Worthy and Dennis Rodman = LEGENDS!!!
@Domini478 Ugh... Dude Rodman led the league in rebounding 7 times as a 6'6" Power Forward. That's shorter than LeBron. In his best season he averaged 18.7 rebounds a game. That's a lot of fucking rebounds! He might not have scored that much but having a guy that can pull down 18 boards a night will definitely give you the edge you need to win. Without Rodman I don't think that Jordan would have won 6 rings. He didn't win ANY until Pippen and Rodman showed up.
NOBODY can stop a good offensive player 1 on 1 agreed. But in fairness to Dennis, he was young and still learning. Remember, he came to hoops late, much like Olajuwon so he was very raw and unskilled. In time, he developed the tricks of a veteran, the tricks he didn't have in the 80s (Rodman played Magic, my favorite player of all-time, better than anyone ever... and still got torched). But look at Rodman later when he'd go up against Karl Malone, or Shawn Kemp (when Kemp was actually good).
I never saw Wilt either. But one guy ranking the best players ever called Wilt #2, Jordan #3, and that Celtic center of the 60s #1.
Interesting note: I remember when Mike Dunleavy was Lakers coach '91, he played and beat them all in 1-on-1. Wow. Those 70s players were no joke.
Even on the court he was crazy and out of control, which overshadowed his statistical accomplishments, his contributions to his teams, and his displays of competitiveness.
Jordan himself has said that Rodman is just as tall as him. It really doesn't matter if you add an inch or 2, leading the league in rebounding with that size is impressive.
Oh yeah, and props ExplosiveThinMan for remembering Worthy's jump shot range accurately ^-=
Seems like most people forget the midrange game that Chick always tried to describe as accurately as possible. I mean, there are guys who can nail 12-15 footers all day, but push them back to 18 feet & it's brick city. Or guys who can only make 8 foot hook shots mid-key, but not 12 footers on the wing. Little stuff like that is incredibly important, but many casual fans don't recognize the distinction.
no way rodman was only 6'6"
he was always said to be 6'8 quite possible he grew some after his rookie measurements cuz he' s just as tall as magic, in this video you can see Mahorn isonly a few inches taller and he's a legit 6'10"
Rodman was a tremendous defender (and rebounder) but the best? Uh uh. One of Dennis strengths was his versatility as a FORWARD. But Scottie Pippen, Bobby Jones or Michael Cooper were superior wing/perimeter defenders vs quick guards. Yet Rodman wasn't like those 3 skinny guys and could contest strong bigs like Karl Malone or Shawn Kemp in the post, and still switch out on perimeter screens.
Underrated was Rodman's ability to ignite and run on the break. That dude threw perfect OVERHEAD outlets.
Excactly. How many years in a row was it he lead the league in reboundin? 8? and one year with 17 pr. game. How can anybody hate on that?
@SuperJM1980 lakers wouldnt have 5 championships in the eighties without james worthys hustle
Rodman was great, but Wilt is the best rebounder ever. Right?
i agree i think if you look at his body of work as a player on the floor he should be in the hall a fame but people tend to look at his off da court issues look at the rebounding titles
When people ask "who is the best?" My answer is "there is no best in hoops, it's a team sport." Switch Magic onto the Celtics and Bird onto the Lakers, do those teams still finish out the 80s w/ the same number of titles? IMO, there's a point players reach where you can simply say, "that dude is a badass mofo"
That said, I think it's fair to say, Wilt could hit the glass with ANYONE who has ever played. But even thought I'm a Laker fan, my fav rebounders are Rodman and Moses Malone.
All those dancers probably spread their legs for James Worthy and asked him, "can you dunk this?"
@JeffL
no thats bill russell
It's so lame when athletes take ballet. Remember Marbury on The Life? You can be a graceful bball player without ballet. (Eye roll)
neat..
Is it just a mandatory thing that every male ballerina has a 🌈 lisp ?
Why ?
@chiflao2 Worthy chewed everyone up!
@lbj6mj23 amen
worthy = freek
wtf is this? rodman will destroy him