The Dennis Rodman-Gregg Popovich beef was so nasty it could have ruined both their careers

The rare time that beef ended up beneficial for BOTH parties.

Gregg Poppovich's military background makes so much sense now looking at how he structured those mid 2000s Spurs team.

Phil Jackson really got the best out of Dennis Rodman in that 3 peat run with the Bulls. He allowed Dennis to be himself as long as he was willing to put 100% effort in every game. Phil was willing to coach each player individually to get the best out of everyone as each player had different personalities. Pop didn't make any exceptions for any player no matter how talented they were, everyone had to follow the rules of the team. Two completely different coaching styles but great in their own way. Although Rodman had more leeway with the Bulls he still didn't want to let his teammates down, MJ as the leader still held him accountable.

2 legends I never even knew had beef. How different would that era of NBA had been if they got along. Sometimes beef makes everything better

Rodman's years in Chicago really saved his legacy.

Man last week was Jerry vs Jimmy, and this week this… you guys been holding out on us … great job guys!!!

How poetic, and they both end up with 5 titles each. 2 different legends, just complete opposites.

I think it's time for George Karl VS Andre Iguodala. When a dude turns down more money and a prime offensive role to be a role player in Golden State, there's a serious problem.

Rodman on the Spurs is one of those things that didn't work that you didn't second guess, you first guessed. I'd bet Pop wanted Rodman gone before the season even started.

My biggest grievance was him not doubling Hakeem which led to David getting embarrassed

Love this series. Didn’t know that much about Rodman’s time with the Spurs

This beef history missed on mentioning the most damming thing Rodman did. During the Houston series he refused to help on defense vs Hakeem, while Hakeem was getting help from teammates to defend Robinson. He basically sabotaged the Spurs game plan because he didn't agree with it.

Fantastic video! Back in the day, “Popovich and Rodman” were a daily fixture of local San Antonio news. Glad this forgotten drama was re-earthed.

Rodman, by his own admission, was 6'6". Look at pictures of him next to 6'7" Pippen and 6'5" Jordan. Barely looked taller than Jordan. Which makes his rebounding ability more impressive. Probably the best pound for pound rebounder in the history of the game.

As a lifelong spurs fan I actually enjoyed Rodmans time on the spurs. Say what ya will about the guy but Rodman was a defensive/rebounding force!

Beef History continues to be one of the best shows on all of YouTube

Can’t wait for a beef history on Ben Simmons vs the 3 point line

I vaguely remember Rodman's time in San Antonio in the 95 season because he was just so insanely eccentric with the wide array of hair colors every game and media hoopla surrounding him. Even in my youth, it was easy to see that he had the personality that might not have been easy to deal with, but you could also get the sense he had immense value and ability as a basketball player to warrant dealing what came with his persona. His going to Chicago a year later proved to be the final piece to what was a perfect storm of characters for one of the most accomplished and fascinating teams ever. And yet it was always easy to understand how some could have had doubts about Rodman's fit on that Bulls team before they took off, given how things went in SA - not to mention his contentious history with the team as a former "Bad Boy" Piston. As I watched this video, I couldn't help but also think of how both the Bulls and Pistons were able to establish a better balance of leadership and freedom with Rodman to the point where his abilities AND character shined. Sometimes, the ultra-disciplinary and militaristic style of instruction just isn't ideal for someone, but that isn't to say that Popovich's approach was wrong in a more general sense. I'm also reminded of Rodman once saying he wasn't particularly fond of Robinson's usage of his devout faith as a means of trying to lead him, perhaps another stark contrast when compared to MJ's and Isiah Thomas' "win by any means necessary" style of on-court leadership. Again, no knock on The Admiral for his leadership ability or especially his faith; they, too, have proven quite successful for him and other teammates over the years. I guess my point is there's just simply no "one size fits all" way to lead, and Rodman is perhaps the most startling example in sports of how much a leadership style can impact another's fit within an organization and the importance of having some flexibility from time to time. Still, this is a rare slice of beef where nearly everyone involved did extraordinarily well after the dust cleared and the parties went their separate ways. Thoroughly enjoyed this video!

Having seen a documentary, Dennis was devastated after being traded and felt a tremendous sense of family on Detroit. I think he kind of felt like he lost his family and started to act out

Rodman is just an insane athlete, and a GENIUS of the game. The dude would study rebound patterns to position better at the rim. He didn’t need to practice, and letting him do his drugs and partying won MJ 3 more 😂