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Toni Kukoc speaks on Jerry Krause, after the first two episodes of “The Last Dance”

Photo: usatoday.com

Toni Kukoc was a valuable member of the team that won three consecutive championships in Chicago from 1995 to 1998.

Kukoc talked about his relationship with Jerry Krause and the way the late Bulls’ GM was speaking about the team he assembled.

“I’m hoping the other episodes are brighter and more of a celebration of basketball instead of who is guilty or to blame, and why didn’t they win eight championships or 10. The world was so happy when that was happening. So I don’t know what people are mad at,” Kukoc said on NBC.

Kukoc played in Chicago from 1993 to 2000 and Krause was the main initiator to persuade the Croatian to play in the NBA.

“People who weren’t there are assuming and saying, ‘Oh, his ego got in the way. That’s why he destroyed the dynasty.’ Not that they don’t appreciate what he did, but you always put him down? Of course, it’s going to affect someone. He’s not here, but I don’t even want to say he can’t defend himself. There’s nothing to defend. He’s the GM of the six-time champs. Name me another five people in the world who did what he did – in any sport.”

In “The Last Dance” documentary, Krause is presented as a General Manager, who wanted to rebuild the team, which won 5 NBA championships.

Furthermore, Croatia and NBA legend spoke on how difficult it is for a team to win constantly for consecutive seasons.

“We were exhausted. We were hurt. There was plenty of plantar fasciitis going around. We were changing shoes. People were battered. It gets harder and harder every year,” he said.

“You can’t just walk into the Finals. I always say the Utah Jazz and Indiana Pacers probably did the same thing we did – practice like crazy, love each other, devoted everything to win. And then lost to us. And nobody says things about Indiana and Utah. It’s that close, that fine a line between winning and losing. And you win and 25 years later, you have 10 (TV) episodes about you.”

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