Is this the modern Dennis Rodman?

What would a strong defender and offensive rebounder look like today? What if they lacked shooting and scoring moves? This detailed film breakdown & scouting report explores how today's game would change things for Rodman, and how Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt is a close modern analogue in style, and to some degree, impact.

Twitter: @elgee35

Ben Taylor is the author of Thinking Basketball, a Nylon Calculus contributor, creator of the Backpicks Top 40 series & host of the Thinking Basketball podcast.

Stats courtesy:
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Footage in this video is owned by the NBA and its partners. It is intended for critique and education.

Music by Didekbeats (Nemesis)

#ThinkingBasketball

[TheHiddenNarrative]

I think the best quality Vando shares with Rodman is how they both fit perfectly playing next to multiple superstars. Not only do they not take away possessions from star players, they actually add some back with their hustle, rebounds, steals, and blocks.

[Fahronaces]

It's crazy to think Vanderbilt and McDaniels were on the same team last year, we missed out on a potentially all time great defensive wing duo.

[switchfliptrix]

I love Vando so much, just a workhorse. I was so sad when my Timberwolves traded him, he was the one I can’t believe we gave up for Gobert. Hoping for a great career for him!

[MoralesCorner]

Vanderbilt is the type of player everyone loves to watch. Nothing but hard, smart work up and down the court. Absolute unit.

[Plague_Doc]

I felt like getting Vanderbilt in the trade was bigger than Deangelo Russell. The guy just does everything with 100%. And his contract is really good. Love his abillity to slip screens, very similar to Jrue Holiday.

[coulsonthurgood]

Giving Vanderbilt that official thinking basketball YouTube love

[tonytooshort]

Vanderbilt has been such a blessing to this team. It's truly remarkable how big of a 180 Rob Pelinka was able to pull off. 👏🏽

[Jenkees]

I cannot believe how fast Vanderbilt is in some of these clips. It's like he has the perfect combination of mental anticipation and physical speed. The play at 06:08 with him not even bothering to look as he is turning really shows how much basketball imagination takes place in his mind.

[imrealtrustme]

As a Lakers fan I actually couldn’t believe we nabbed him at the deadline. One of my favorite trades of all time for the team.

[davidrummel]

Keep in mind Vando is still only 23, while Dennis didn't even start his career until he was 25! JV is really unique and his ball handling skills are something Rodman never has. Vando is definitely one of my favorite players and I'm looking forward to seeing where his career goes from here!

[behindthearcyt]

vanderbilt has always been one of the more underrated players in the league glad everyone is noticing now because he is on the lakers and there are definitely some similarities with him and rodman

[squillam]

With the prevalence of big forwards who have the quickness and shiftiness of guards, it was only a matter of time until guys like Herb and Vanderbilt brought that same speed and quickness to the defensive side of the floor

[travisheldreth]

Vando and Reaves on the floor at the same time is crazy good.

[Ryuken_Hunter]

The lakers were the 13th seed and down 6 games from .500 but after the trade the lakers have ranked as the second best defense in the entire league while being the 8th seed and a possibility of being 7th if they beat the wolves tmr, Vando’s impact has been otherworldly for this lakers squad.

[jokimbuenafe]

the fact that you guys gave him his own video is high praise indeed 🎉❤

[zhenya]

Bro that "defensive euro" at 0:57 was fucking lit

[poly_g]

The way this guy quickly spins his hips when he's beaten... Never seen that before.

[nikolasdiallo]

His feet movement for that defense on that corner-3 attempt for Donte Divenczo was absolutely crazy and entertaining to watch

[TruthJX]

That clip at 6:07 is crazy, how fast he stops and changes direction

[OmariiOneall]

I noticed his play in Minnesota last year and thought that he was a good player then, but now he’s turning into a star because he’s THAT impactful to the game. Very fun to watch