Dennis Rodman: A Wild and Crazy Road to the Hall of Fame

NBA superstar Dennis Rodman made sure that he would never be forgotten, with his wild and colorful antics both on the court and off. Now, his NBA career will forever be memorialized in Springfield, Mass., at The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Here is a look at the highlights of Rodman's career in basketball as well as some of his personal shenanigans that put him in the media spotlight.

NBA's greatest rebounder

In seven straight seasons, from 1991 to 1998, Rodman had the best rebound rate, 23.4, in NBA history. He is currently ranked fourth best in total rebounds for the Detroit Pistons with 6,299. Rodman still holds the record for the most rebounds in a game, at 34.

Honors

Rodman was named the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year in 1990 and 1991, and he was selected as an NBA All-Star in 1990 and 1992. He was also named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team seven times.

Five time NBA champion

Rodman, also known as, "The Worm", has been a part of five NBA championship teams, twice with the Detroit Pistons and three times with the Chicago Bulls.

By the end of Rodman's basketball career, he had amassed 11,954 rebounds and 6,683 points in 911 games.

Rodman the celebrity

Rodman enjoyed being part of the Hollywood spotlight, and in the early 90s he dated pop-star Madonna. In his tell-all book, called "I Should Be Dead Now", he says that Madonna wanted to have his child.

In order to promote his book, he arrived at a signing event in New York in an enormous coffin, and emerged wearing a Beetlejuice wig and full makeup. At another book signing, he famously wore a wedding dress.

After retiring from basketball, Rodman focused on a career in film as well as in wrestling. In 1999, he famously fought "Macho Man", Randy Savage at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota. The late Savage, shoved him into a toilet and ultimately won the match.

In 2000, Rodman took part in an event subtitled, "Rodman Downunder", an i-Generation Superstars of Wrestling event.

Rodman, the Hall of Famer

Now, 50 years old, the still flamboyantly-dressed Rodman, spoke of his induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame through tears. With his voice cracking, he said, "I didn't play the game for the money. I didn't play the game to be famous. What you see here is just an illusion, an individual that I love to just be, who is very colorful."

It was an emotional experience for both the athlete and crowd. In typical Rodman style, the new inductee drew cheers, laughter, and a tear or two.

Whatever you think of Dennis Rodman, the man will no doubt be remembered for many years to come.