For all his greatness as a basketball player, Dennis Rodman left a bigger mark on the NBA with his unique persona and off-court antics. But according to his former teammate John Salley, none of that would’ve been possible without Madonna.

Madonna’s impact on Rodman

Dennis made a name for himself as a two-time Defensive Player of The Year and an NBA champion during his seven-season stint with the Detroit ‘Bad Boys’ Pistons. However, things went south after he left the franchise.

Devastated by coach Chuck Daly no longer being the Pistons’ head coach — the news hit Dennis so hard that he contemplated taking his own life — Rodman was traded to the San Antonio Spurs before the 1993-94 season.

However, he wasn’t embraced by David Robinson and the rest of his teammates, who seemed to repel his demeanor. Off the court, The Worm was battling a divorce with his first wife, Annie Bakes.

While everything seemed to be going downhill for Dennis at that point, his personal and professional life took a drastic turn when he started dating Madonna in 1994.

Being around her allowed Rodman to showcase his authenticity, which the then Spurs star expressed through fashion, dying his hair in different colors and even saying he would marry himself.

The Worm’s confidence also grew on the court, with the legendary forward helping San Antonio make the Western Conference Finals in 1995, averaging 8.9 points and 14.8 rebounds in 14 postseason games.

“Without Madonna, there is no Dennis Rodman, the way we know him. Period,” Salley said about his former teammate.

A changed man (and player)

Rodman admitted he and Madonna clicked from the first moment due to their similar personalities. Their romance resulted in some wild stories, such as the legendary singer waiting for Dennis in the Chicago Bulls locker room and offering to pay him $20 million to impregnate her.

Even though the two lasted only a few months, Rodman had become a different player (and person) since their relationship.

The Bulls enjoyed the fruits of his transformation, with the Hall of Famer being a crucial member of their second three-peat from 1996 to 1998, despite constantly causing headaches for coach Phil Jackson and the rest of the organization.