Blil Russell, a legend in the world of basketball, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NBA history. His 11 championship titles—an unparalleled achievement in the league—remain a record that may never be broken. Known for his exceptional defensive skills and dominant rebounding ability, Russell’s legacy is etched firmly in the annals of the sport. Given his standing as a legendary figure, Russell did not take kindly to being compared to Dennis Rodman, even when Rodman was dominating the NBA as the best rebounder of his time.
In 1996, when Rodman was at the peak of his rebounding prowess, an inevitable question was posed: How did Bill Russell, the all-time leader in rebounds, view Rodman, who was making waves as the top rebounder of his era? Russell’s response was a measured but sharp rebuke.
“Well, he’s certainly an entertainer,” Russell said with a chuckle. When asked about Rodman’s skills as a rebounder, Russell was more reserved, stating, “He’s adequate… To compare him with Wilt and me is, well, in error.”
Russell’s comments reflected his belief that while Rodman may have been effective, the comparison to him and Wilt Chamberlain, two of the game’s most legendary players, was misguided. Russell himself finished his career with 21,620 rebounds, second only to Chamberlain’s record of 23,924. In contrast, Rodman, despite his legendary status as a rebounder, totaled 11,954 rebounds, which placed him 23rd on the all-time list—far behind both Russell and Chamberlain.
Dennis Rodman: One of the Greatest Rebounders, but Not Quite Like Russell or Chamberlain
While Rodman’s total rebounds fall short of the incredible numbers posted by Russell and Chamberlain, there’s no denying that Rodman was one of the most tenacious and feared rebounders of his era. Known for his relentless energy and ability to outwork players much larger than him, Rodman led the league in rebounds seven times, ranking second in that category behind only Chamberlain. This impressive feat placed him ahead of other basketball legends such as Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Dikembe Mutombo—players who, in terms of total rebounds, outpace Rodman’s numbers.
Rodman’s ability to secure rebounds in his prime—despite being just 6’7″ in an era dominated by towering giants—was remarkable. His reputation as a master of positioning, timing, and relentless hustle made him an irreplaceable asset for the teams he played for, including the Chicago Bulls during their championship runs. Rodman’s prime years, though shorter in duration compared to players with larger career totals, were some of the most remarkable rebounding seasons the NBA has ever seen.
In essence, while Rodman was undoubtedly one of the greatest rebounders in history, Russell’s point was that comparing him to two giants of the game—himself and Wilt Chamberlain—was a stretch. Rodman’s rebounding style was unique and effective, but it didn’t carry the same historic weight as the incredible totals posted by Russell and Chamberlain, who redefined the art of rebounding for generations of basketball players.
