Dennis Rodman’s finals appearances: How many NBA Finals has the legend been to?
One of the greatest rebounding forwards in NBA history, Dennis Rodman had a stellar NBA career. But how many Finals has Rodman been to?
Follow Us
Often hailed as the best rebounding forward in NBA history, Dennis Rodman is an all-time great. Throughout his stellar career, Rodman has played for different teams in the NBA including the Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks. So exactly how many Finals appearances has Dennis Rodman made?
Drafted in 1986 by the Detroit Pistons, Rodman had dazzled the courts with his rebounding abilities. Owing to his defensive prowess, the legendary forward was nicknamed “The Worm” and was belovedly known so among fans.
Considered one of the best players of his generation, Rodman was vital in winning back-to-back titles for the Detroit Pistons. Later, he won an iconic three-peat of NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls. But exactly how many NBA finals has Dennis Rodman been to in his career?
Related: How many rings does Giannis Antetokounmpo have?
How many times did Dennis Rodman go to the finals?
Rodman went to six finals with his teams during his NBA career. He made three Finals appearances with the Detroit Pistons in 1988, 1989 and 1990 finals. Later, the legendary forward played three more finals with the Chicago Bulls winning an iconic three-peat from 1996 to 1998.
When was Dennis Rodman’s first finals appearance?
Rodman made his first-ever NBA finals appearance with the Detroit Pistons in 1988. It was the second season of his NBA career when the Pistons lost 4-3 to the Los Angeles Lakers. It was the only finals that Dennis lost during his prolonged stint in the NBA.
What teams did Dennis Rodman lose to in the NBA Finals?
Out of his six NBA Finals appearances, Dennis Rodman lost only one Final to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1988. The Pistons lost the series in seven games to the LA Lakers, despite coming pretty close to the title. The following season, however, Rodman and co. avenged their final loss as they won the Championship 4-0 in 1989.
Dennis Rodman NBA finals appearances
Rodman’s six NBA Finals saw the forward play crucial roles in his team’s prowess. His first three Finals appearances came with the Detroit Pistons and the later three came with the Chicago Bulls. Out of the six, Rodman managed to clinch five finals victories lifting Five Championships with his team.
1988: First-Ever Finals Appearance
The 1988 Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers was Rodman’s career’s first-ever Finals. The Pistons took a 3–2 lead but lost in seven games where Dennis fell short of an offensive rebound and a putback that could have won the championship. Nevertheless, Rodman averaged 7.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.0 block in his first-ever finals appearance.
1989: First Title, Finals Avenged
The following season, the Detroit Pistons faced the Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals again. This time, however, the Pistons ran over the Lakers and sealed a 0-4 victory in just four games. Rodman averaged 10.0 rebounds, 5.0 points and 1.3 assists in the finals and fulfilled defensive duties with grit. Although he was suffering from back spasms at the time, Rodman played an integral part in their title glory.
1990: Third Consecutive Finals, Second Title
The Pistons made it to the finals for a third consecutive time and faced the Portland Trail Blazers in 1990. The series was won in five games as the Pistons beat the Trail Blazers 1-4. Although he suffered an ankle injury, Rodman managed to average 5.5 rebounds, 2.3 points and 0.8 assists in the Finals series.
1996: First Finals with the Bulls
Rodman made his first finals appearance with the Bulls in 1996. Facing the Seattle SuperSonics in the Finals, the Chicago Bulls won 2-4 in six games. Rodman recorded two games with 11 offensive rebounds which tied Elvin Hayes’ NBA Finals record. During the series, he averaged 14.7 rebounds, 7.5 points and 2.5 assists as the Pistons won back-to-back Championships.
1997: Second Title with the Chicago Bulls
Rodman and the Bulls came back to the Finals the following season. This time they beat the Utah Jazz 2-4 in the six-game series. Dennis Rodman averaged 7.7 rebounds, 2.3 points and 1.5 assists in the Finals and was an important defensive interior. It was his fourth career Championship title.
1998: The iconic Three-peat
The Chicago Bulls completed their three-peat of NBA titles by beating the Utah Jazz in the 1998 Finals. Rodman made 14 and 8 rebounds in the fourth and sixth games that ultimately led them to victory. Dennis averaged 8.3 rebounds, 3.3 points and 1.2 steals in six games to win his fifth NBA Championship.
In case you missed:
Shaquille O’Neal’s finals appearances: How many NBA Finals has the legend been to?
How many rings does Shaquille O’Neal have?
Stay Updated!
Gerard Crispin
(3318 Articles Published)