#90sBlockbusters DENNIS RODMAN Feature-DEMOLITION MAN

Hot Rod. 

By TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

(In the first of our #90sBlockbusters theme series of features on the best characters of the golden era of the NBA we look at Dennis Rodman's turning point time with the San Antonio Spurs for our episode, 'Demolition Man' (thanks for the name inspiration John Salley), featuring italicised quotes by Wesley Snipes' Simon Phoenix character from the movie. For Rodman's career retrospective from the Detroit Pistons to the Chicago Bulls, check out our 2011 Hall of Fame celebratory piece, 'In Rod We Trust'.)

"I could have been a bomb. I could have been in jail. I could have been dead. But I worked my ass off to get HERE". - Dennis Rodman ('The Last Dance') 

"Greetings, what's your bogle."

007. 69. These were the numbers Rodman wanted on the back of his jersey if Dennis was going to continue doing Dallas like Debbie. What a Maverick like Mel Gibson! At that point you just knew his 72 wasn't going to get raised to the rafters like the wonderfully strange like him fact that his Lakers jersey of the same number became a Mitchell and Ness sought after throwback. Even if he didn't play more than a M.J. 23 games with the Lakers...let alone a seventy or 82 (still glad you'll always be a Laker for life though Dennis. Here's to the purple and gold hair). We all know however that 91 deserves its place in the rafters with all the banners he helped number 23 and 33 put up there in United Center for the Chicago Bulls. It's not a reach like that amazing, absolutely iconic image of him reaching for that rebound, as vertical as if he was on a table, or the Dion Waiters edible just hit. And maybe this ESPN and Netflix 'Last Dance' that is saving us all right now stuck at home alone like Culkin in social isolation, will finally be the first steps to all that for the man who gave the most brutally honest and emotionally heartfelt Hall of Fame speech we've ever seen...although Michael Jordan still has the crying meme. Some folks get all the credit. But others they'll never forget it. Like the purists know. This game is as much about X as it is about O. And here's one man who could change the game without even taking a single shot like Magic. The rebounding machine. No not the round mound of Chuck, but Dennis Rodman baby!

"Blast from the past!"

Daly's Detroit Pistons really were the Bad Boys before Martin Lawrence and when Will Smith was still a Fresh Prince. And Dennis was a menace before the black and red stripes. You only have to see this defensive dog waltzing with Magic Johnson in Episode III of 'The Last Dance' closer than the Zeke cheek of an Isiah Thomas kiss for proof. "He's a pest" Supersonic legend Gary Payton (a trash talking one himself) says over the footage about the "f### up person". "He changed the game just by his presence". Look at the frustration on Earvin's face as Rodman stopped Showtime like Jordan would to end the 80's the original M.J. and Larry Bird, redefined, changing the face of the sport and how the game was seen worldwide in popularity before the no one like Mike took the golden era of the 90's to new air as we came and flew with him like Sinatra as Money touched the sky like leaving a dollar up on the backboard for street G.O.A.T, Earl Manigualt to pluck in Rucker Park. But as crazy as this play was for a young hit Rod, where were the tattoos? What colour was his hair? The natural look. You're kidding right? Nope! Thomas. Joe Dumars. Rick Mahorn. Bill Laimbeer. Our man John 'The Spider' Salley, star of 'Bad Boys' I and II, but not 'For Life'. The Detroit Pistons were all about hard nosed, hard work. Basketball may have been beautiful, but like the Chauncey Billups, Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Rasheed Wallace and BIG Ben Wallace (DUUUUMMM!) Bad Boys sequel that dethroned the death of a dynamic duo dynasty of Phil Jackson's Shaq and Kobe, second three-peat-ing Lakers (that also had Hall of Famers, The Mailman, Karl Malone and The Glove, Gary Payton) the assembly line of Piston players made ugly plays just that good looking. Beating you up on the floor they weren't here for the slicked, Dapper Dan of a GQ Pat Riley's Showtime a Lakers. They showed Bird and the classic Celtics that their green with envy hard work was nothing like the nosed down grind of blue collars. But still, "when (Dennis) first came to Detroit, he was an innocent, beautiful person. But a little naive about like the world", as Isiah said. Or "he was simple at that time" as Salley added to the documentary, before talking about a beautiful camping story Dennis told, getting away and  "looking at the stars". So what the hell happened?!

"Play ball."

San Antonio happened. That's what happened to the guy Pistons late, great coach Chuck Daly couldn't have been "more proud" to be "associated with" as he called the young Dennis Rodman a, "coaches dream." He may have built the troublemaker reputation in Detroit as he tell us in 'The Last Dance' but he finessed it like an M.J. fadeaway in The Alamo with pink hair under all that pink and turquoise. At The Admiral's port even with the professional, Naval inspirational of David Robinson who probably still had his own Basketball uniform cleaned, ironed and folded at the bottom of his bed after games, even though they had someone else to do that for him. But before the Twin Towers of D-Rob and some big Hall of Fundamental called Tim Duncan in Texas there was some guy who told the fans on appreciation night, "you can like me, or you can hate me, all I know is one thing; when I step on this floor I'm gonna get things popping." And oh did he. And off it too. As soon as he took his baseball cap off and revealed the Wesley Snipes, Simon Phoenix blonde dyed mohawk (the first of more hairstyles than all those dog-eared piled stacks of magazines in hair salons can carry), the 'Demolition Man' was born for the Van Damme 'Double Team' (see what they did there?) actor. From East to West. The Pistons to Phoenix, or whoever. "Simon says, bleed". "Simon says...die". Rodman's time with the Spurs (7.6 points and 16.8 rebounds per), Robinson, Dale Ellis and Del Negro wasn't as legendary as his time in the Bull-pen, running with Chicago, or his Bad Boy birth in Motown. But it was much more than his Hollywood days or his last shot in the Wild West like J.R. (Rider) with Dallas. And more importantly it was probably the most pivotal moment of his career catalyst for a post player who pre-championship was about to blow up in a colour as effervescent as the ones he'd spray in his hair before each game from a can like he was sticking his hand up a vending machines a##. Like the time he 33 gave it up for Scottie Pippen's injury return in subtle solidarity and symbolism like Will Smith's 'Focus' conman putting the number 55 everywhere for B.D. Wong to bet on it, whilst the 124 "woo, woo's" (that is the Mandarin for the number 5) of the Rolling Stone's 'Sympathy For The Devil' plays. Rainbow scalp like the old San An colours. Nice day for a white wedding with him in the dress. Dating Madonna, 'Like A Virgin' as she told him to be whoever the f### he wanted to be (all whilst she "done broke (his) d###"). All whilst born again Christian David Robinson tried to convert a man that used to take mid-season vacations in Vegas with Jordan looking for him like Bradley Cooper and them in 'The Hangover'. No dice! "I can't live that life". Headbutting John Stockton. Intoxicated on a chopper like a son of anarchy. Riding shotgun with a shotgun like this was literally 'The Alamo' in Texas soon that would be Rodman's last shot with San Antonio. Holding up a towel with a Sharpie that read, "I'm sorry. Please let me play", soon he would. But like after a bad breakup all for someone else. As The Worm wormed his way to Chicago for the original big three with Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan that fit as Scottie said, "like a hand in a glove". And the rest they say for this Beastie Boy 'Maestro' like a Prince 'Partyman' in this LL Cool J 'Bad' documentary that's 'Been All Around The World' like a Diddy and Ma$e sampling Bowie dance is history. Six times over. Now how's that for being spurred on?

"Look, you can't take away people right to be a##holes". 

But you best believe he ain't one.

"I created this monster"!-Dennis Rodman ('The Last Dance') 

#TheKobeSeries KOBE GOES TO HOLLYWOOD

Dear Hollywood. 

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

Dear Basketball,

We all know what the late, great Kobe Bryant (it still tragically doesn't feel true) could do on the court. Treating the dear basketball like a rolled up tube sock. From the coliseum of the Great Western Forum (how you going to sell that to the Clippers? It's bad enough they cover our banners with their selfies), to being a Los Angeles STAPLE. Everyday of his 82 plus, 365 day yeas a Laker. From 'fro dunks, to Caruso bald, Black Mamba fades. 8 to 24 in the rafters like the 2 of GiGi should be. Like Quinn Cook trading for the 28. Sorry D-Fish we will just put 0.4 up in the rafters for you. Basketball man. He fell in love with you. Like you did him. Mutual even if some times were hard like any marriage or Diesel dynamic duo like Shaq. Mind and body. Spirit and soul. We gave him all our time. He gave us all his all. Up and down the court. Every loose ball. Hustle. Heart. Asked. Gave. From rocking the cradle to what we can't believe now in a 2020 so grave. Sweat. Hurt. The calling. The good. The bad. He made US feel so alive. From the pounding to the grind. Our hearts wish it wasn't time to say goodbye. We're not ready to let you go. Like everytime we roll up a ball of paper towards the wastebasket letting it fly and saying your name like Destiny's Child or Jay-Z on Timbaland's, 'Lobster and Shrimp'.

"KOBE!"

California dreaming courtside however you only need to see that this La La Land city of angels is one of stars. From the bleachers to mopping the floor, just check the seats like an Usher (8701...he's been here too like Diddy and the Family Ma$e's, Bowie 'Let's Dance' sampling 'Been Around The World', featuring The Notorious B.I.G beginning Netflix and ESPN's 30 For 30 Michael Jordan and Chicago Bulls documentary 'The Last Dance' now streaming). From Dyan Cannon to Sly Stallone and the number one die hard fan (no not Bruce Willis), Jack Nicholson who treats the Lakers house as his second home. Let's hear it for Jack on the week of his birthday in that opening 'Been Around The World' scene of 'The Last Dance' congratulating Chicago coach Phil Jackson the moment his team beats superfan Jack's Lakers on their Forum floor in the '91 Finals. Little did he know a decade later Jax would be starting the same thing in STAPLES with someone like Mike. Life is beautiful. And how about the recent report that Kobe filmed footage for a potential documentary too? Like if we see him in 'The Last Dance' like the late commissioner, also lost this year, David Stern, there will be tears. Lakers.com the day before yesterday shared a video of Kobe's first All Star Game in New York at Madison Square Garden in honor of Nicholson's birthday. Whilst Kobe is being interviewed by the legend Jim Gray pregame Jack appears out of nowhere like "Heeeere's Kobe" with a just brought basketball still in its box and a Sharpie, jokingly (and probably somewhat seriously) asking a young 8 bean for his John Hancock. As Kobe autographs the Spalding, Nicholson praises his dignity saying he's not like these other stars like "Jack Nicholson who won't even go on T.V." as he tongue in cheek looks at the camera in his trademark wrap-around shades, letting the haters have it. Laughing, Gray asks Nicholson if he has any advice for the kid. "For Kobe?" Jack replies. He looks up to the 6,6 Kobe and pats his arm, "HEAT UP" he repeats...and then knowing grin and wink flashes that signature smile that was so sinister in 'The Shining' and as The Joker, but feels real friendly in real life..."and get loose".

Hotter than July before all the leaves were brown like grey skies. Little did a watching Hollywood know that the sign of this wonders times would point to a post career that mirrored their reflection as they watched the reflecting waxed wood floor like their swimming pools in the hills, behind their celebrity shades (you guys are indoors...you know this right? Not you Jack. You get a free pass). Little did they know that the next star of their Tinsletown own would be the one they were gawping at from their seats like he was the celebrity and they the fans, gifted from the basketball Gods like these hoop dreams in what was once Magic's town after Wilt and West's were scripted. But who could write it better than Kobe? Even before the King of LeBron James took his G.O.A.T. debate like talents to Lakerland for his last waltz and a 'Space Jam' sequel too like he was the next one after 23, not 24. And when he was backing up his 'Bron brother (remember that courtside image of Kobe and LeBron laughing and embracing from last December, before the tragedy, before COVID? Oh to go back to that time) and hitting out on politicians like Trump. Making speeches for other award shows about how he should probably just "shut up and dribble", the same kid who used to stay in his hotel room and watch 'Star Wars' as a rookie when his teammates would hit the next town and party was receiving Oscars off Luke Skywalker himself, Mark Hamill. Kobe Wan Kenobi. We all know the beautiful 'Dear Basketball' penned Players Tribune poem turned into an artistic animation sketch, scored by the legendary composer of classics, John Williams. This has gold all over it like Kobe at home for his Kodak Theatre moment from a purple heart to the red carpet in what he hope were rolled up tube socks under that tux. But how about what else Kobe was writing for his Wizenard series like a Harry Potter meets sports like Quidditch series of books from the man who once dressed up as Voldernort for Halloween and used to cold call legends like J.K. Rowling for inspiration and that advice? Under his Granity platform and like the Detail he brought to his ESPN analysis videos from Taurasi to Sabrina like the WNBA ambassador he was, Kobe knew how to write all his dreams into reality. From hoops to Hollywood. This town got this kid. Just like the one writing this now somewhere in Japan. Coming to America by way of Hollywood for the first time at 21 in '06. From a small seaside town in England near Liverpool, to all these beaches. Seeing his beloved Kobe and Lakers he's supported since age 11 live. Just amazed that he even got the chance to see him whilst he still could...even back then or in his last dance a decade later in 2016. It was like something out a movie. Leaving Los Angeles with La La Land, city of star studded dreams...and a pad and pen. Writing rhymes as a rapper during his 'fro young playing days Kob' had 'Visions' of a hit single with Tyra Banks like taking Brandy to the prom (after his appearance on 'Moesha' Like 90's sitcom staples, 'Sister, Sister' and the "hustling is wrong" revenge of 'Hang Time'). Before K.O.B.E. jumped on Shaq tracks, a Brian McKnight remix ('Hold Me'. Remember him suited and booted in the iconic video clip?) and Destiny's Child (Can you guess which one? That's right. 'Say My Name'), doin' work like a Spike Lee joint.

When Kobe was going through one of his worst times, he got cold called. By M.J. No not Mike, but someone like him in Michael. Jackson not Jordan. Inviting him to his Neverland ranch and giving him some advice on dealing with adversity and the alienation. As the moonwalking King of Pop showed and gave Kobe all the Fred Astaire videos that influenced those legendary dances that took the world's stage by a thriller like storm. In turn inspiring the footwalk in Kobe's ever evolving game (this is a court scientist who used to study nature documentaries and mimick how a cheetahs tail moved when it struck its prey with his leg when he took off for a shot, adjusting mid-air for the clutch. Talk about perfecting your craft) and probably his life's storytelling after he hung up the sneakers like tap dancing shoes too. Just another Hollywood moment in the life and Los Angeles times of legendary Laker, Kobe Bryant. Now even if he was one of the greatest to ever play this game, top five, dead (he really can't be. Tell me it's not true) or alive, it looked like Kobe Bryant's post basketball career that really looked to be something was still being written. Hollywood's not ready to say goodbye. As the author of the Andrew D. Bernstein photo assisted book, 'The Mamba Mentality: How I Play' for your coffee table inspiration posthumously released 'The Wizenard Series: Season One' volume in March, two months after his passing, with more to come. What was and what could have been. Still if only we could read the children's book aimed at underprivileged youth he was working on with Brazilian author Paul Coelho, which Coelho deleted in draft form after Kobe's death with respect. "It didn't make sense to publish it without him", Paul beautifully said in tribute for a book that will always remain out there...in spirit. But more tragically then what could of been in the Mamba's world of entertainment from bookshelves to in cinemas. Or the fact that the Mambacita of his Gianna would have one day carried on his basket torching legacy in the WNBA, probably of fate would have fittingly had it with the Los Angeles Sparks for this child's destiny. What's most tragic is on that cruel twist of fate day like all the lives that were lost, a father and a daughter lost theirs like the rest of their family heartbreakingly did. That's the real tragedy here. But just like we know that up in the hoop heavens GiGi will be beating daddy with all of the tricks of the trade he taught her. Once they call game and she takes a rest, Kobe will be right there beside her with a pad and a pen. Writing their next chapter.

Heat up Kobe...and get loose.

"And we both know, no matter what I do next. I’ll always be that kid. With the rolled up socks. Garbage can in the corner. 5 seconds on the clock. Ball in my hands. 5 … 4 … 3 … 2 … 1."

Love you always Kobe.

#TheKobeSeries