Toni Kukoc: Luka Doncic is proof of how far international basketball has come

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Toni Kukoc sees his younger self in Luka Doncic—especially when it comes to how both dominated European basketball before stepping into the NBA spotlight.

The Hall of Famer, who helped revolutionize the NBA’s view of international players, recently discussed Doncic’s rise with NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, praising the Mavericks guard’s command of the game and his global impact.

Kukoc recalled how, during his own time with the Chicago Bulls, his playmaking role was limited by the presence of stars like Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan, but he still found moments to showcase his vision.

“When I got to the Bulls obviously that position was more or less reserved for Scottie,” Kukoc told Robinson. “But there were times when I would get the rebound and have the freedom to bring the ball up.”

Kukoc believes Doncic has that same innate understanding of the game that made him effective in Europe and translates naturally to the NBA.

The 1996 NBA Sixth Man of the Year said that when he watches Doncic, he sees flashes of his own role overseas before adapting to the triangle offense under Phil Jackson.

“You can actually play ANY position if you’re willing to run, if you’re willing to read the offense and read your teammates… you can play one through five,” Kukoc said.

To Kukoc, the rise of stars like Doncic, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo represents a shift from when global prospects were undervalued and questioned.

“Right now, the NBA is a global game,” Kukoc said. “The best players all over the world are trying to come here and showcase their talent; which wasn’t the case when we first got here.”

Kukoc played a crucial role in opening those doors, joining the Bulls in 1993 after dominating in Europe with Jugoplastika Split and later winning three NBA championships alongside Jordan and Pippen.

He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021, an honor that confirmed his place among basketball’s pioneers.

Now, watching Doncic operate as one of the league’s premier players, Kukoc sees the legacy of international basketball flourishing in real time.

“LeBron is what LeBron is now that he gave a chance for Luka to be Luka or Jokic be Jokic,” Kukoc said.

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