Toni Kukoč

The Croatian Sensation who brought European flair to the Bulls' dynasty.

Toni Kukoč (; born September 18, 1968) is a Croatian former professional basketball player who serves as special advisor to Jerry Reinsdorf, the owner of the Chicago Bulls. After a highly successful period in European basketball, he was one of the first established European stars to play in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Kukoč played for four NBA teams between 1993 and 2006, winning the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award in 1996. He is a three-time NBA champion, having won championships with the Chicago Bulls in 1996, 1997 and 1998.

Quick Facts

Team: Chicago Bulls
Position: Special advisor
League: NBA
Born: 18 September 1968
Birthplace: Split, SR Croatia, SFR Yugoslavia
Nationality: Croatian; American
Draft round: 2
Draft pick: 29

Lore & Background

Nicknamed 'the Waiter' and 'the Croatian Sensation', Kukoč is renowned for his exceptional basketball IQ, versatility and passing ability. Although his natural position was small forward, Kukoč played multiple positions and demonstrated court vision and an outside shooting touch that were seldom found in players of his height. He also enjoyed success in international play, winning Olympic silver medals in 1988 (playing for Yugoslavia) and 1992 (playing for Croatia). Kukoč and Vassilis Spanoulis are the only players in history to receive the EuroLeague Final Four MVP honor on three occasions. He was elected to the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2017 and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021. In 2023, he was selected to be in the inaugural class of the Chicago Bulls' Ring of Honor.

Reader's Guide

Kukoč grew up in Split, Croatia. He began playing for his home town club, KK Jugoplastika, at age 17, winning the EuroLeague three consecutive seasons (1989–1991) and the Triple Crown in 1990 and 1991. He was awarded EuroLeague Final Four MVP both times. He then signed for Benetton Treviso in 1991, winning the Italian League championship in 1992 and the Italian Cup in 1993, and again winning EuroLeague Final Four MVP in 1993.

Drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 1990, he joined the Bulls in 1993. He made his NBA debut on November 5, 1993. He came off the bench in 1993–94, hit a game-winning three-pointer against the Pacers on January 21, 1994, and a game-winner in the 1994 playoffs against the Knicks. After Horace Grant left, Kukoč moved into the starting lineup for 1994–95.

In 1995–96, he returned to a bench role, won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award, and helped the Bulls to a 72–10 record and the NBA championship. He won further NBA titles in 1997 and 1998. After the dynasty broke up, Kukoč led the Bulls in scoring, rebounding, and assists in the 1998–99 season. He was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in 2000, then to the Atlanta Hawks, and later to the Milwaukee Bucks.

He announced his retirement in 2006 if not signed by the Bucks or Bulls. With Yugoslavia, he won silver at the 1988 Olympics, gold at the 1990 FIBA World Championship, and gold at EuroBasket 1989 and 1991. With Croatia, he won silver at the 1992 Olympics, bronze at the 1994 FIBA World Championship, and bronze at EuroBasket 1995.