It was a rarity for anyone to out maneuver Dennis Rodman, the defensive maestro, during his illustrious career. However, Larry Bird was one of the few who managed to do just that. Unlike many others who tried but ultimately failed, "Larry Legend" found a way to outplay the two-time Defensive Player of the Year, an accomplishment that still bothers "The Worm" today.
Rodman, in an interview with Basketball Time Machine, reminisced about his struggles to contain the Boston Celtics forward during Bird's prime.
"I tried my best to guard Larry Bird, and it didn't work too well. He kind of schooled me the whole game. Every game we played, he said, 'Dennis, are you guarding me? Take that for you.' And I was like, 'Okay, I will take that, Larry.' He made a jump shot and said, 'Dennis, do you like that?' I said, 'Man, to hell with you. Don't worry about it.' After I had a couple of years in the NBA under my belt, I said, 'Okay, great, I belong in this league.' All of a sudden, Larry Bird started to respect me," the Hall of Famer shared.
Rodman acknowledged that entering the league meant earning every bit of respect and recognition. Guarding Bird proved to be a humbling experience, setting a new standard for Rodman to aspire to as a defensive stopper. Chuck Daly, Rodman’s coach, saw the potential in him and believed in his energy and defensive capabilities, giving him opportunities to guard the best players.
"Chuck Daly saw I was so loose and had so much energy that I could go for 48 minutes per game and guard anybody in the world. He put the trust in me, and I always told Chuck, 'Let me play; I will do anything you want me to do.' He said, 'Go out and guard Larry Bird,' and I didn't know at that point who Larry was. I just thought he was a white guy in the NBA. The more I got to play Larry Bird, I had to figure out this game belongs to Dennis Rodman when it comes to defense and rebounding. That was my determination to go out and stop the best player on each team," Rodman recalled.
Rodman’s experiences with Bird were a critical learning curve, establishing a baseline for the defensive prowess he needed to maintain. This baptism by fire was essential for Rodman, who not only survived but thrived as one of the greatest defenders in NBA history, thanks in part to his early encounters with Larry Bird. Bird’s ability to challenge and outplay Rodman was a testament to his greatness and a pivotal experience that shaped Rodman’s legendary defensive career.
Source:
https://www.basketballnetwork.net/old-school/dennis-rodman-still-has-haunting-memories-of-guarding-larry-bird