In 2001, the Atlanta Hawks enthusiastically welcomed Toni Kukoc to their roster. The team recognized that Kukoc’s wealth of experience and exceptional skills would significantly enhance their performance on the court.
Hawks star guard Jason Terry even recognized the parallels between Kukoc and his former Chicago Bulls teammate, the legendary Michael Jordan. Terry expressed a strong belief that the “Croatian Sensation” shared a similar approach to the game as MJ.
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In fact, Terry was convinced that Kukoc, like Jordan, could instill a sense of fear in their opponents. He acknowledged that Toni’s intimidating presence, like MJ’s, was a crucial asset that could elevate the Hawks’ competitive edge during the season.
“Toni is just what we need,” Hawks head coach Lon Kruger said at the time. “He’s a guy we can run our offense through. He takes the pressure off Jason [Terry] and our other young guys. Our offense is much better with Toni on the floor, much more fluid. We can finally look to expand from a very basic system now that he’s with us.”
“Toni is drawing so much attention,” Terry observed. “I draw attention when I penetrate but not nearly as much as Toni because he’s so long and he can make that layup and finish over taller guys.
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“Toni attracts attention the way Allen Iverson or some of the other top guys do, but the thing with him is there is no b.s. in his game. Maybe it’s from playing with Michael Jordan, but Toni is a very straightforward player,” he further evaluated. “When he gets it he’s going to either shoot it or put it on the floor and create for somebody else. Mike did that and Toni plays the same style.”
Toni was a bucket in Atlanta
Kukoc quickly proved that the Hawks made an excellent decision in acquiring him. He stood out early on with his impressive scoring ability, combined with his high basketball IQ.
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In Toni’s first 17 games with the Hawks, he made a significant impact, averaging an impressive 19.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game. His skills added much-needed depth to the Hawks’ offense, establishing him as a dependable co-star alongside Terry.
As the season concluded, it became evident that Kukoc and Terry formed a dynamic duo with the potential to revitalize the Hawks and bring them back to prominence in the league.
A legend in his own right
After the 2001-02 season, the Hawks traded Kukoc to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for a more aggressive scorer and two-time All-Star, Glenn Robinson. He went on to play four seasons with the Bucks before finally retiring in 2006.
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Truth be told, Kukoc may not have attained the same level of fame and greatness as Jordan, yet his remarkable skills and distinctive style of play have earned him the admiration of many basketball fans around the world. Often regarded as a pioneer of European players in the NBA, Kukoc’s contributions to the game are significant.
During his playing years, Toni carved out a niche for himself, showcasing his exceptional talent and inspiring countless aspiring athletes. In this sense, it’s safe to say Kukoc stands as a legend in his own right, leaving an indelible mark on the history of the sport.