Dennis Rodman wrapped up his final NBA season in 2000 with the Dallas Mavericks, where he averaged an impressive 14.3 rebounds per game.

Dennis Rodman, one of the most iconic and polarizing figures in basketball history, ended his NBA career with a brief yet memorable stint playing for the Dallas Mavericks during the 1999-2000 season. While many players see a decline in their performance toward the twilight of their careers, Rodman proved once again that his relentless hustle, unique skill set, and instinct for grabbing rebounds were unmatched. In his last NBA season, he averaged an incredible 14.3 rebounds per game, a testament to his unparalleled dominance on the boards even as his career was winding down. This statistic is not only remarkable because of his age and the short duration of his time with the Mavericks but also because it solidified his legacy as arguably the greatest rebounder in NBA history.

Rodman’s time with the Mavericks was short-lived, as he played only 12 games for the team, but during those games, he made an undeniable impact. At 38 years old, most players would have seen a considerable decline in both athleticism and performance, but Rodman was not like most players. His tenacity and competitive spirit were still as fierce as ever. He was not known for his scoring ability—throughout his career, Rodman was a role player who focused on defense, rebounding, and doing the dirty work that many superstars often avoid. Yet, it was precisely these traits that made him so valuable and so memorable.

The Mavericks were looking for a spark during that 1999-2000 season, and adding a veteran with championship experience like Rodman seemed like the right move. He had already won five NBA championships—two with the Detroit Pistons and three with the Chicago Bulls alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen—and his presence alone brought a certain toughness and defensive mindset to the team. Although his time with Dallas was brief, his rebounding numbers were nothing short of sensational. Averaging 14.3 rebounds per game in the modern era of the NBA is rare, and for someone approaching 40 years old, it was almost unheard of.

To put this achievement into perspective, consider that many All-Star big men in their prime rarely average over 12 rebounds per game in a season. Rodman’s ability to dominate the boards wasn’t reliant on height or brute strength alone—he stood at just 6’7”, undersized for a traditional power forward—but rather on his timing, positioning, and unparalleled understanding of how the ball would bounce off the rim. He studied shooters and angles meticulously, turning rebounding into an art form. Even during his final NBA games, Rodman’s knack for finding the ball and out-hustling taller, younger players showcased why he was revered as one of the best at his craft.

Rodman’s journey to that final season was anything but typical. His career began with the Detroit Pistons, where he was a key member of the infamous “Bad Boys” team that won back-to-back championships in 1989 and 1990. Known for his defensive grit and relentless energy, he earned two NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards while in Detroit. As the Pistons’ dominance faded, Rodman’s career took him to the San Antonio Spurs, where he continued to lead the league in rebounding, posting astonishing numbers year after year. However, it was his time with the Chicago Bulls during the second three-peat (1995-1998) that truly immortalized him in basketball history. Playing alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, Rodman not only anchored the team’s defense but also led the league in rebounds for seven consecutive seasons.

By the time he joined the Dallas Mavericks, Rodman had already established his legacy as one of the most unique and impactful players in NBA history. Yet, his short stint in Dallas was marred by some of the same controversies and eccentricities that had followed him throughout his career. Known for his flamboyant personality, colorful hair, tattoos, piercings, and off-court antics, Rodman was often a magnet for media attention. While his persona off the court was larger than life, on the court, he remained laser-focused on his role: defending, hustling, and rebounding.

During those 12 games with the Mavericks, Rodman’s contributions extended beyond statistics. He brought a veteran presence and intensity that rubbed off on younger players. His effort on every possession was something that could not be taught. Even if his scoring numbers were negligible—he averaged only about 2.8 points per game during that stint—his rebounding and defense made up for it. Rodman never sought personal glory through scoring; instead, he was the ultimate team player, willing to do whatever was necessary to help his team win. It is a rare quality, and it is why coaches and teammates respected him despite his sometimes unpredictable behavior.

What makes Rodman’s final season particularly fascinating is how he defied conventional expectations of aging in sports. Most athletes, especially in such a physically demanding sport as basketball, begin to slow down considerably in their late 30s. Rodman, however, seemed to thrive on proving people wrong. Even though he was no longer in his prime, he out-rebounded players a decade younger than him. It speaks volumes about his conditioning, mental toughness, and relentless pursuit of excellence in his specialized role.

Another layer to Rodman’s story with the Mavericks was his relationship with team owner Mark Cuban, who had recently purchased the team at the time. Cuban, known for his bold and unconventional moves, brought Rodman in partly for his star power and partly for his ability to make an immediate impact. While the partnership was short-lived, it was an experiment that fans still remember vividly. Rodman’s presence, though brief, brought attention to the Mavericks and added a level of excitement and unpredictability to their season.

Beyond the numbers, Rodman’s final season serves as a reminder of what made him such a special player. He was never the tallest or the strongest player on the court, but he was always the hardest worker. His career was defined by his willingness to outwork his opponents, both physically and mentally. Whether it was diving for loose balls, boxing out players who towered over him, or playing suffocating defense, Rodman’s contributions often didn’t show up on the scoreboard but were invaluable to his teams.

Looking at his career as a whole, Rodman retired with career averages of 7.3 points and 13.1 rebounds per game. While his scoring average may seem modest compared to other Hall of Famers, his rebounding numbers and defensive accolades speak volumes. He led the league in rebounding for seven consecutive seasons, an NBA record, and was named to the All-Defensive First Team seven times. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011, cementing his place among the all-time greats.

Rodman’s 14.3 rebounds per game in his last season also serves as a fitting ending to his career. It is as if he wanted to remind everyone, one last time, that when it came to controlling the glass, nobody did it better. Even with limited playing time and at an age when most players are long past their peak, Rodman could still step onto the court and dominate a key aspect of the game. It is a feat that very few players can claim.

In many ways, Rodman’s career and his final season reflect his life as a whole: unconventional, unpredictable, and extraordinary. He was never a player who conformed to the norm, whether in terms of playing style or personal life. He forged his own path, often facing criticism and controversy along the way, but he stayed true to who he was. Fans may remember his wild hair colors, his off-court relationships, or his antics, but true basketball enthusiasts know that beneath all of that was one of the most dedicated and hardest-working players the game has ever seen.

Rodman’s ability to rebound at such a high level in his final NBA season is also a testament to his understanding of the game. Rebounding is often overlooked compared to scoring, but it is one of the most crucial aspects of basketball. A single rebound can change the momentum of a game, prevent an opponent from scoring, or create a second-chance opportunity for your team. Rodman understood this better than anyone. He didn’t just rely on athleticism; he studied the art of rebounding. He would analyze how different players shot the ball, predicting where it would land after hitting the rim. His preparation and instinct were what set him apart.

Even though Rodman’s time in Dallas was brief, the impression he left on the team and the league was lasting. His 14.3 rebounds per game during that short stretch remind us that greatness isn’t always about longevity in one place but rather about the impact you make when you’re on the court. Rodman could have coasted during his final season, but that wasn’t in his DNA. He gave his all every time he stepped onto the floor, and that is why his career is celebrated to this day.

Reflecting on Dennis Rodman’s final season, it becomes clear that his legacy is not defined solely by championships or statistics but by the heart and passion he brought to the game. While his time with the Mavericks might not have led to another title or even a deep playoff run, it was a chapter that showcased his enduring greatness. He left the NBA the same way he played throughout his career—on his own terms, giving maximum effort, and doing what he did best: dominating the boards.

Rodman’s story serves as an inspiration for players of all levels. He proved that you don’t have to be the tallest or the most skilled scorer to make a lasting impact in basketball. By mastering a specific skill—in his case, rebounding—and pairing it with unmatched determination, he carved out a Hall of Fame career that few could replicate. His final season average of 14.3 rebounds per game is just another reminder of the legend that is Dennis Rodman, a player who redefined the value of hustle, heart, and hard work in the NBA.