Rodman Named Top Defensive Player

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Dennis Rodman, who has flustered many of the NBA’s best shooters, shed tears of joy after being named the league’s defensive player of the year.

Rodman, whose defense helped the Detroit Pistons allow the fewest points in the NBA this season, edged Houston’s Akeem Olajuwon for the honor in voting by writers and broadcasters.

“It’s a dream come true for me,” Rodman said Monday. “I was disappointed when I didn’t win it last year. I take pride in defense. I think I do a good job of it.”