Hapoel Tel Aviv Makes Dennis Rodman a Curious Offer

Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv owner Ofer Yannay, who has built an ambitious roster for this season's EuroLeague campaign, has extended one of basketball history's most unusual invitations. In an open letter published by Sport5 addressed to NBA Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman, Yannay admitted that despite heavy investment in the club, one issue remains unresolved. He wrote: "We still have to get more rebounds. Many years ago, I read your story about how you turned rebounding into an exact science. I was fascinated by the way you studied shot angles, the spin of the ball and where it would bounce."

According to the report, Yannay asked: "Instead of talking about rebounding, why not invite the person who turned it into an art?" — making an unconventional proposal to the five-time NBA champion. It's noted that the club is prepared to offer Rodman $100,000 plus business-class airfare, luxury hotel accommodation and a taste of Tel Aviv's nightlife should he travel to Israel, with content from the visit also planned for use in the club's global marketing campaigns.

Having not held a coaching role since 2005, when he took charge of England's Brighton Bears for a single game, it's noted that Rodman would take part in a three-day training seminar should he accept the offer. Averaging 13 rebounds per game across 14 NBA seasons and having explained in the documentary "The Last Dance" how he studied shot angles and the way the ball bounced off the rim to position himself correctly, Rodman's response to the invitation is being awaited with interest. Yannay closed his letter by saying: "I can promise you one thing: you will receive a lot of love here from me, our club and especially our passionate fans."

Source: Sport5
Image: Eurohoops