Detroit Pistons' 'Bad Boys' Legends Rodman, Laimbeer Reunite at Saturday Event

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Meyer | Last updated Jun 1, 2025 12:06 AM ET

The Detroit Pistons made it to the NBA Playoffs this season and put up a hard-nosed fight against the eventual NBA runners-up the New York Knicks before bowing out in the first round.

The Pistons turned in a winning season and battled the Knicks without the help of big man Isaiah Stewart, who suffered a right knee injury and was unable to play down the stretch.

Stewart helped to revive the Pistons' Bad Boy image with his rough play on the court, culminating in one of the best Pistons' regular seasons in over a decade.

On Saturday, two men who inspired and created the Bad Boys image were found embracing each other at a Detroit area event.

"Legendary Pistons Bill Laimbeer and Dennis Rodman reunited at the Detroit Sports Spectacular in Novi on Saturday," WXYZ-7 reporter Brad Galli wrote on X.

"They were so excited to see one another."

Rodman and Laimbeer teamed up to lead the Pistons to back-to-back NBA championships in 1989 and 1990 as the Pistons ran through the Bulls, Celtics, Lakers and other top teams to secure the franchise's first two championships.

Rodman, known by his nicknames Dennis the Menace, the Worm, and Rodzilla, won two Defensive Player of the Year awards with the Pistons before moving on to play with Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and the Chicago Bulls.

Laimbeer made four All-Star teams and led the Pistons in rebounding for several seasons.

The Pistons' lack of frontcourt depth was exposed during their series against the Knicks as Stewart was unable to play.

More strength and rebounding on the inside along the lines of Rodman and Laimbeer could go a long way toward the Pistons advancing past the first round of the playoffs in 2026.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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