Jerry West's pre-draft comments about Dennis Rodman in 1986 offer ultimate Lakers 'what if'
Rodman was described as having "the stride of a 440-dash runner and explosive leaping ability."
(Getty Images) Jerry West's pre-draft comments about Dennis Rodman in 1986 offer ultimate Lakers 'what if' originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . There's a world in which Dennis Rodman started his NBA career with the Lakers .
Following three seasons at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, the Pistons selected Rodman with the 27th overall pick in the 1986 NBA Draft. While plenty of teams had the opportunity to beat the Pistons to the punch, Rodman's play before the draft caught the eye of Jerry West, who was the general manager of the Lakers at the time. During the 1986 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, Rodman impressed with 66 points and 53 rebounds in three games.
West told The Sporting News that "no one in the tournament boosted their stock more" than Rodman. "It's nice to see a young player compete as hard as he does," West added. SN ARCHIVE: Rick Pitino's first Cinderella run foreshadowed greatness The Sporting News' Mark Vancil wrote that Rodman impressed scouts at the tournament with "the stride of a 440-dash runner and explosive leaping ability.
" Those physical tools helped Rodman average 25. 7 points and 15. 7 rebounds per game during his career at Southeastern Oklahoma State.