The city of Los Angeles is always associated with basketball and in the summer of 1996, it was at the center of it due to “Space Jam.” The film starred Michael Jordan as himself, but also featured other NBA players such as Larry Johnson, Muggsy Bogues, and Patrick Ewing.
However, as fierce as the fictional hoops showdown between the Looney Tunes and the Monstars was, the real-life pick-up games during filming were even more intense. As Jordan sought to re-establish himself as the king of the NBA, he was adamant about staying active on the court while filming the movie.
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The result was pick-up games unlike any other. Held at the basketball facility Warner Bros. built for Air Jordan on the parking area called the “Jordan Dome,” many All-Stars and basketball legends graced the court in battles that resembled a Game 7 of the NBA Finals. However, out of all the superstars who played, there was one player whom MJ watched intently — Dennis Rodman.
MJ scouted everyone
Jordan was the apex predator of the NBA during the ’90s. Like any alpha he was constantly looking for any potential threats to his throne. So it was no surprise that Jordan had his eye on Rodman during these pick-up games.
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They were never close. In fact, they constantly clashed at the height of the bitter rivalry between Jordan’s Chicago Bulls and Rodman’s Detroit Pistons, especially since the latter was one of the enforcers of the infamous “Jordan Rules.” However, as he watched and got to know the Worm a little better, MJ began to appreciate Rodman’s quiet and unassuming demeanor.
“The Dome was really instrumental in convincing Mike that he could play with Dennis Rodman,” Nate Bellamy, a technical adviser of the movie, said. “I think if the Dome didn’t happen, I don’t know if that deal would’ve went through the same way it went through.”
What was apparent to Mike was Dennis’ workmanlike approach. This quiet and unassuming nature belied his wild off-court antics. Although the floor was filled with All-Stars, he came in unfazed, did what he was supposed to do and when the game was over, he retreated to the sidelines and waited for the next game. He didn’t bother anyone and mostly kept to himself.
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“What he realized was, and what most people realize when you’re around Dennis, he’s a quiet type of guy,” Bellamy relayed. “Even though he kind of re-invented himself with all the hair color and all that, but basically, he’s a quiet guy. He comes and he plays hard. He doesn’t cause any controversy. Mike realized he could play with him.”
Space Jam director’s input was crucial
The movie’s director, Joe Pytka, also gave his two cents to Jordan about Rodman, pointing out how his skill set and attitude might fit in with the Bulls. Of course, Jordan had his apprehensions, given their history and how much of a distraction Rodman had become, especially for his previous team, the San Antonio Spurs.
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However, Pytka was adamant that Rodman could be the piece the Bulls needed to rise to the next level and win multiple championships.
“I said, ‘Why haven’t you guys gone after Dennis Rodman?'” Pytka shared. “He said something about (how) he didn’t know whether he could play with Dennis. I said, ‘Look, the guy doesn’t shoot, he plays defense, he rebounds, and he doesn’t get in your way. You should go after him.'”
Not long after, the Bulls acquired Rodman, trading longtime backup center Will Perdue to San Antonio. The move paid off in spades as the Bulls went 72-10 during the 1995-96 season and won the next three NBA titles. It’s safe to say that “Space Jam” proved to be a blockbuster in more ways than one.
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This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Sep 27, 2025, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.