Toni Kukoc wasn’t the first European player to reach the NBA, but he may have been the most influential.
A 6-foot-11 forward with three-point range and guard moves, he was already a star before making it to the league.
In his early 20s, he led Jugoplastika Split to three consecutive Euroleague championships.
A feat no team has accomplished again.
With that resume, it was only fitting he would join another legendary dynasty to start his NBA career.
In Chicago, Kukoc was a key piece on the Bulls’ second threepeat.
His offensive talent allowed him to take responsibilities when Jordan or Pippen were taking a break.
He was not only a shooter, but a legit point forward when necessary.
And he had no problem taking a backseat as a designated sniper when playing with the two main stars.
After the end of the Bulls’ dynasty, he had a solid second career as a serviceable role player for the 76ers, Hawks and Bucks.
Retiring at age 37 as the tallest player to make 700-plus three pointers in the NBA.
And the only player ever to win multiple NBA and Euroleague titles aside from Bob McAdoo.
But most importantly, he’s the spiritual godfather of countless Euro players with similar style of play.
From Dirk Nowitzki to Kristaps Porzingis, every stretch big man coming from Europe has some Toni Kukoc DNA.
Even Pau Gasol arrived to the NBA touted as “the new Toni Kukoc”.
Making his role in the second-threepeat Bulls just another chapter of his gigantic legacy
Who was Toni Kukoc?
Toni Kukoc wasn’t the first European player to reach the NBA, but he may have been the most influential.
A 6-foot-11 forward with three-point range and guard moves, he was already a star before making it to the league.
In his early 20s, he led Jugoplastika Split to three consecutive Euroleague championships.
A feat no team has accomplished again.
With that resume, it was only fitting he would join another legendary dynasty to start his NBA career.
In Chicago, Kukoc was a key piece on the Bulls’ second threepeat.
His offensive talent allowed him to take responsibilities when Jordan or Pippen were taking a break.
He was not only a shooter, but a legit point forward when necessary.
And he had no problem taking a backseat as a designated sniper when playing with the two main stars.
After the end of the Bulls’ dynasty, he had a solid second career as a serviceable role player for the 76ers, Hawks and Bucks.
Retiring at age 37 as the tallest player to make 700-plus three pointers in the NBA.
And the only player ever to win multiple NBA and Euroleague titles aside from Bob McAdoo.
But most importantly, he’s the spiritual godfather of countless Euro players with similar style of play.
From Dirk Nowitzki to Kristaps Porzingis, every stretch big man coming from Europe has some Toni Kukoc DNA.
Even Pau Gasol arrived to the NBA touted as “the new Toni Kukoc”.
Making his role in the second-threepeat Bulls just another chapter of his gigantic legacy