“It was like working at K-Mart” – Dennis Rodman reveals SHOCKINGLY LOW salary he received in first two NBA seasons

Dennis Rodman's unforgettable NBA journey, from humble beginnings to modest salaries


“It was like working at K-Mart” – Dennis Rodman reveals SHOCKINGLY LOW salary he received in first two NBA seasons

Dennis Rodman (image via Tim O'Dell/NBAE)

In a recent interview with VladTV, former NBA superstar Dennis Rodman opened up about his humble beginnings and the surprising salary he received during his first two seasons in the league. Reflecting on his high school days, where playing in the NBA seemed like an unimaginable dream, Rodman shared a remarkable story that highlights his journey from anonymity to basketball stardom.

Recalling his last year in college, Rodman vividly described the moment when his life took an unexpected turn. He remembered sitting on his forearms, working tirelessly in the fields with his family, as the NBA draft played on the television inside the house. At the time, Rodman found himself playing basketball with a white friend in the yard, unaware of the life-altering news that awaited him.

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Rodman’s family excitedly informed him that he had been drafted by the Detroit Pistons. In disbelief, he exclaimed, “I did?” Shocked and overwhelmed, Rodman and his friend rushed toward the house, only to collide with the closed glass door in their eagerness.

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This unexpected turn of events marked the beginning of Rodman’s professional basketball career. Selected as the 27th overall pick in the second round of the 1986 NBA draft, Rodman embarked on a journey that would eventually lead him to become an MVP and set numerous records. However, his path to success was not without its challenges.

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Dennis Rodman’s shockingly low salary raises eyebrows

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Dennis Rodman (image via Getty Images)

Although Dennis Rodman’s career reached unprecedented heights, his early NBA years were highlighted by a shocking reality. Rodman openly expressed his surprise at the little pay he received during his first two seasons in the interview with VladTV, comparing it to working at K-Mart.

When asked about his initial contract, Rodman exclaimed, “oh my god I’ve been working in K-mart that’s how big that contract was it was like more like 75 80 grand at the most”

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The sharp contrast between Rodman’s immense talent and the minimal compensation he received highlights the huge differences between past and present professional sports. Today, multi-million dollar contracts are commonplace in the NBA, underscoring the tremendous financial growth the league has experienced over the years.

Despite the shockingly low salary, Rodman’s determination and work ethic remained unwavering. He continued to hone his skills, showcasing exceptional rebounding abilities and defensive prowess that would eventually lead him to become an integral part of the legendary Detroit Pistons teams known as the “Bad Boys.”

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