"I would like to thank Michael Jordan for kicking my butt" | TONI KUKOC Hall of Fame Speech

Поделиться
HTML-код
  • Опубликовано: 22 дек 2024

Комментарии • 2,7 тыс.

  • @marcusjames9353
    @marcusjames9353 3 года назад +4265

    Glad to see MJ being there for Toni's induction. All that talk that he didn't care about his teammates outside basketball. He was there for Scottie induction, was there for Dennis Rodman 30 for 30, and Luc Longley's documentary as well. What a team the Bulls was from 1991-1993 and 1996-1998

    • @jonsinkkonen9393
      @jonsinkkonen9393 3 года назад +73

      Maybe just polishing his image. Who knows still,but things are different what they look many time.

    • @travisdurham29
      @travisdurham29 3 года назад +380

      @@jonsinkkonen9393 he is regarded by most as the goat, is a billionaire, his shoes still outsell any nba players shoes to this day so I don’t know what honestly needs polishing. Everyone knows he was a hard ass and wanted to win above anything else. We all saw what Pippen did when the spotlight wasn’t given to him. He sat his ass down and refused to play so there is that🤷🏿‍♂️🤷🏿‍♂️

    • @columbusohio72
      @columbusohio72 3 года назад +155

      @@jonsinkkonen9393 im pretty sure that made no sense. He is actually friends with Toni.

    • @oneman9121
      @oneman9121 3 года назад +157

      I think Jordan became more self-aware during the 2nd 3-peat run. It's no coincidence a majority of his closest teammates were from '96-98. He became a better, more patient leader those years.
      The '91-93 run felt more business-like. Almost like MJ was above everyone else on the team, which made sense as that was the height of his popularity and athletic prime.

    • @___Anakin.Skywalker
      @___Anakin.Skywalker 3 года назад +12

      @Vanilla Nice LeBron James is the best ever, the king and GOAT

  • @lorrydriver1004
    @lorrydriver1004 3 года назад +854

    To have MJ along side induct you in the hall of fame, that's something special.

    • @balazsholocsi8593
      @balazsholocsi8593 3 года назад +46

      That's the finest thing you can choose from the menu!

    • @laythadrian5705
      @laythadrian5705 3 года назад +42

      Even though I could feel MJ's heart skip a beat when he thanked Jerry Kraus lol

    • @edwinjones1000
      @edwinjones1000 3 года назад +21

      Yes it is . Especially when Michael and Scottie MADE him show how great he was by punishing him. He rose to the occasion and kicked some ass on his own.

    • @realitybites629
      @realitybites629 3 года назад +18

      @@laythadrian5705 not really.
      MJ, Pippen and Phil, despite the animosity, had always thanked Jerry Krauss for the team's success.

    • @panchito1384
      @panchito1384 2 года назад +3

      they have very Good friendship and respecto each other
      Both play golf some times ..

  • @oacevedo81
    @oacevedo81 3 года назад +1929

    "Our practices, at that time, were harder than many games that we played." - This speaks to why they were so dominant.

    • @alkhojames7504
      @alkhojames7504 3 года назад +9

      what time?

    • @xuxrh8476
      @xuxrh8476 3 года назад +8

      @@alkhojames7504 6:45

    • @curtisfranzen986
      @curtisfranzen986 2 года назад +42

      @@alkhojames7504 GAME TIME!!!

    • @roqueiii645
      @roqueiii645 2 года назад +10

      Mc Hale said the same thing in the middle of the 80s

    • @justusbowman
      @justusbowman 2 года назад +11

      @@roqueiii645The Celtics were incredible then. Wouldn't surprise me if they worked like maniacs.

  • @jaironunez7196
    @jaironunez7196 Год назад +206

    Beautiful speech. This guy is pure class.

    • @nathana2776
      @nathana2776 Год назад +9

      Well said. Absolute Champion

  • @jorgeluispuponieves3495
    @jorgeluispuponieves3495 3 года назад +981

    Toni a beast, and MJ showing why he is the GOAT, never leave his teammates alone

    • @StennMathis
      @StennMathis 3 года назад +26

      Unlike someone who is seen as the GOAT (Lebron)who's walked out on his team constantly...
      Chavez understands the meaning of the word pals, dont you Chavez!

    • @2KILLAVILLE
      @2KILLAVILLE 2 года назад +24

      Pippen being a Grade A Busta these days

    • @cochise4390
      @cochise4390 2 года назад

      @@2KILLAVILLE 😂😂

    • @gibververgib1235
      @gibververgib1235 2 года назад +1

      and that means MJ will not be like that if not bcos of his team mates,

    • @CarlosRodriguez-xy3yc
      @CarlosRodriguez-xy3yc Год назад +6

      ​@@gibververgib1235 he motivated his team mates to be better that's what it is

  • @buzzy-ears
    @buzzy-ears 3 года назад +1176

    This man is one of the reasons why our region continues to produce so much talent, decades later. Living legend ♥️

    • @dimvalsgames9721
      @dimvalsgames9721 3 года назад +24

      Agreed you guys have some of the greatest players of all time Tony - Drazen - Dino - Vrancovits and more you have an awesome school of basketball cheers.!

    • @germandoctor5639
      @germandoctor5639 3 года назад +8

      What region? Is a region a country? I don’t think so.

    • @efisgpr
      @efisgpr 3 года назад +26

      As an American and basketball 🏀 fan, THANK YOU for being passionate and producing many talented players.
      Also, RIP Drazen Petrovič. Gone too soon. We'll miss you forever, brother.

    • @etnadayasiv5449
      @etnadayasiv5449 3 года назад +10

      I was thinking about Drazen it was too soon for him...RIP

    • @andyraphael
      @andyraphael 3 года назад +2

      Yes

  • @noelmanuel0823
    @noelmanuel0823 3 года назад +821

    When he thanked his wife who was there from the very beginning, from his ups and downs, it was amazing. It feels good to know that inspite of his success, he's loyal to his wife. Lovely family. Congrats Toni.

    • @antegaspar6051
      @antegaspar6051 3 года назад +20

      Toni Is a guy, great heart

    • @ryank2465
      @ryank2465 3 года назад +10

      @Reemo Williams wouldn't be a youtube comment without needlessly shitting on women. when will men also realize that so many men are equally at fault and have many of their own bad habits. if we as men don't want to be generalized, we shouldn't generalize women either. and i know you're going to be like "im talking about thots, not women" but its very clear what your intentions are

    • @matthewm9261
      @matthewm9261 3 года назад +4

      Loyal to his wife? I think Toni got caught with a hooker 10 years ago

    • @ryank2465
      @ryank2465 3 года назад +6

      @Reemo Williams when a woman cheats, she’s a “thot” though right? but when a man cheats it’s okay because they have different standards lmfao you people never fail to amuse me with your double standards

    • @matthewm9261
      @matthewm9261 3 года назад +7

      @@ryank2465 men have sex with who they are allowed. Women have sex with who they give permission. That's the difference

  • @josepha.4072
    @josepha.4072 3 года назад +981

    "I always cared about team success over individual honors and today standing here I can say-i was right"💪

    • @simonssol3526
      @simonssol3526 3 года назад +63

      That went right over the crowds head. Great humility

    • @Mikel424
      @Mikel424 3 года назад +26

      Yeah that line was fire! Put that on my gravestone pls

    • @ericmgl5143
      @ericmgl5143 3 года назад +2

      hahahahahahahaaha

    • @ntnnot
      @ntnnot 3 года назад +8

      Toni had it figured out

    • @kovdie
      @kovdie 3 года назад +17

      Play for the name in front,not back

  • @vladimirjanjusevic
    @vladimirjanjusevic 2 года назад +53

    Toni is right where he belongs, in the hall of fame. Respect and love from Belgrade Serbia.

  • @manifestyourlife6
    @manifestyourlife6 3 года назад +407

    Those of us who watched this guy play knew how important he was to the Bulls' Dynasty. The guy is incredibly humble and emerged during a time where European players were not considered elite enough for the NBA.

    • @jakkametkraiwong6508
      @jakkametkraiwong6508 2 года назад +5

      For me, he's always the best 6th man ever . 😁

    • @RobinXlone
      @RobinXlone 2 года назад

      @@jakkametkraiwong6508 best 6th man ever, wit the best 3 point shooter, wit 2 mvp caliver players... how is that not a superteam?

    • @aidangriffiths5075
      @aidangriffiths5075 2 года назад

      Can see why, he was europes best player and wasn't good enough to start

    • @g99se9
      @g99se9 2 года назад +1

      The prototype for KD and other players of today.

    • @petr79
      @petr79 2 года назад +1

      Yugoslavia in 1996 Olympics final proved otherwise

  • @teriblo
    @teriblo 3 года назад +670

    Toni deserve EVERYTHING he was a great player and also a great teamate

    • @lavarriley4855
      @lavarriley4855 3 года назад +1

      8 thought Mike didn't have a super team 🤔

    • @bbennyj
      @bbennyj 3 года назад

      @@lavarriley4855 you’re right, that was a super team. Didn’t think about it until now. All the way down to Steve Kerr was a force to reckon with. By theirselves Dennis Rodman, Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen are a super team by themselves but you have some other people that could really play, Toni Kukoc, Luc Longley, Bill Wenningtin, Randy Brown. And maybe they weren’t superstars on their own but they still produced some good minutes constantly.

    • @marvinjohnson4118
      @marvinjohnson4118 3 года назад +4

      @@bbennyj he had 3 rings before, prior to everyone you mentioned besides pippen. two hater

    • @freshoftheoven965
      @freshoftheoven965 3 года назад +2

      But hall of fame???i can name a lot of European players better then him smh ok sure HOF in europe but not in nba

    • @donnelladams8362
      @donnelladams8362 3 года назад

      @@marvinjohnson4118 Exactly people tend to forget that Jordan 3peated before 95,96, 97

  • @jjutt87
    @jjutt87 3 года назад +442

    Why am I crying?! His humble personality still shines though, you can tell his parents truly meant a lot to him!

    • @myhandslife7395
      @myhandslife7395 3 года назад +17

      My idols I looked up to when I fell in love with basketball are all much older now. Makes me sad 😥. Time passes at a blink of an eye

    • @nas84payne
      @nas84payne 7 месяцев назад

      Toni comes across such a nice guy. His teammates on the Bulls loved him!

    • @Mr.Emon34
      @Mr.Emon34 Месяц назад

      Truth

  • @Zdkim
    @Zdkim 3 года назад +1000

    This man is so underrated. He was able to do so many different things on the court and he was almost 7ft tall. I know most people remember Michael, Scottie and Rodman. But Toni was also an integral part of that team and made the bench strong. He probably would have started on any other team. This Bulls team is the best team ever. PS. Let's not forget Ron Harper sacrificing himself to become a role player too.

    • @graffProdigy
      @graffProdigy 3 года назад +28

      Like they said, everybody had their role and knew their role and played it to a T. From Kerr to Longly. That’s what made The Bulls team so great!

    • @Vnexpress1203
      @Vnexpress1203 3 года назад +20

      Don’t forget BJ Armstrong

    • @JustLikeHeaven77
      @JustLikeHeaven77 3 года назад +21

      I would love to see the 85 Lakers, the 86 Celtics, the 94 Rockets and the 96 Bulls in a final 4 playoff series.

    • @relaxstaycalm1906
      @relaxstaycalm1906 3 года назад +5

      of course people would remember Michael, he was there brought the Bulls into the playoff since his debut. Toni and other guys joined the Bulls much later

    • @gc4479
      @gc4479 3 года назад +2

      Yeah and they would've won without him‼️

  • @bradmenpes809
    @bradmenpes809 Год назад +14

    One of the best acceptance speeches I've ever heard. Grounded, humble, powerful, and truthful.

  • @josecoba6998
    @josecoba6998 3 года назад +101

    It was about time for Toni Kukoc to get this recognition!!! He is a Basketball legend too!

  • @dimogj
    @dimogj 3 года назад +555

    Humble as always! One of the greatest players and greatest people. We were happy to see you play are now we are happy to see you in the BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME.

    • @jacobsalinas2362
      @jacobsalinas2362 3 года назад +1

      He is not one of the greatest, he was only a 6th man on his team, he wasnt dominant in any way shape or form

    • @LB14745
      @LB14745 3 года назад +14

      @@jacobsalinas2362 He was very dominant in Europe and NBA scouts waited for him to sign a contract for years. Would not start instead of Pippen or Rodman, but was extra important and a clutch player. There is a reason he is in the HOF rather than some more dominant players.

    • @jacobsalinas2362
      @jacobsalinas2362 3 года назад +1

      @@LB14745 Europe means nothing, thats why mediocre American players dominate there and in other countries. He was just the 6th man thats it!

    • @LB14745
      @LB14745 3 года назад +17

      @@jacobsalinas2362 First, this is basketball Hall of Fame, not NBA Hall of Fame. Second, the NBA is full of Europeans for a reason. Third, Euroleague is very high level of basketball, that's why many ex-NBA players are mediocre there. Your basketball knowledge is lacking, so no sense to keep replying to you after this comment.

    • @rithyhouse957
      @rithyhouse957 3 года назад +7

      You don’t know basketball if you didn’t think Kukoc was great. He had to sacrifice and become the Bulls 6th man just like Manu Ginobili of the Spurs.

  • @andrewbradley5235
    @andrewbradley5235 3 года назад +586

    When you can thank someone for kicking your butt and taking an L like a champ, it really says a ton about his character as a person. Toni would easily be an all-star in today's game on a yearly basis.

    • @lukapetric8595
      @lukapetric8595 3 года назад +34

      he would be a champion in today's game too... he started playing basketball at age of 15, guy was pure talent AND a hard and humble worker.
      he was fucking Michael Jordan of Europe when he came to NBA and he never cried and whined and made drama about not playing in the first and so on...absolute legend and deserves a lot of respect. Listen to what Scottie says in the beginning - we don't win it all without Toni

    • @southsideman4891
      @southsideman4891 3 года назад +16

      SO PROUD OF TONI!!!!!!
      I REMEMBER BEING UPSET WITH HIM DURING THE DREAM TEAM YEARS AND WHEN HE FIRST PLAYED WITH THE BULLS:
      HE WON US OVER WITH HIS PLAY AND HIS HIS GOOD NATURE AND NOW HE IS A GOAT HERE IN CHICAGO!!!!!
      GOD BLESS AND KEEP TONI KUKOC. AND HIS FAMILY IN JESUS' NAME!!!!!!!

    • @kenchirokenchiro7688
      @kenchirokenchiro7688 3 года назад +11

      toni is so suited for todays style of game

    • @blankname6629
      @blankname6629 3 года назад +13

      Toni was an all star level player in his day also. He showed that when Michael and Scottie left.

    • @firstnamelastname8323
      @firstnamelastname8323 3 года назад +10

      Because there is no shame when great players like MJ beat you.

  • @zipacino92
    @zipacino92 3 года назад +276

    I was born 92 & but I learned fast who MJ, Pippen, Kucoc & Rodman were… salute on the great career

    • @Tankpacqikcao
      @Tankpacqikcao 3 года назад +1

      I am sure in your childhood, kobe and shaq when they were dominating, its often jordan and Co were mentioned everywhere because of the similar 3 peat. Am i right?

    • @darkosimic9890
      @darkosimic9890 3 года назад +7

      I'm so glad that i'm born '85 and watched '90s NBA🤗

    • @goat2559
      @goat2559 3 года назад +3

      @@darkosimic9890 man you lucky

    • @goat2559
      @goat2559 3 года назад +4

      @@darkosimic9890 I wish in the future we have time machines so we can get to see the past

    • @darkosimic9890
      @darkosimic9890 3 года назад

      @@goat2559 🤣

  • @mirkovukovic7052
    @mirkovukovic7052 Год назад +9

    Gledam ovo 2023 i plačem od sreće I tuge kad shvatiŝ kako je VELIKA i moćna bila ta Jugoslavija a u njoj svi ovi nabrojani VELIKANI BASKETA....i divni Toni Kukoč❤❤❤❤

  • @AGTsakumis
    @AGTsakumis 3 года назад +288

    What a wonderful, humble man! He moved me to tears. He thanked all the right people, because all the right people were there for him so he could be there for them. A hugely impressive and accomplished athlete, he was one of my favorite Bulls. Fierce competitor and clutch player. Congratulations to him and his family.

    • @antoinebracy5718
      @antoinebracy5718 2 года назад +8

      Amen Brother... Toni was a class act.

    • @AGTsakumis
      @AGTsakumis 2 года назад +3

      @@antoinebracy5718 Amen, brother, amen.

    • @etodd568
      @etodd568 2 года назад +3

      I thought I was the only one that got teared up....Humble and wonderful family man Toni is

    • @AGTsakumis
      @AGTsakumis 2 года назад +3

      @@etodd568 No, brother. I'm with you.

    • @Tamburello_1994
      @Tamburello_1994 2 года назад +1

      From @7:17 on, is when I had to reach for tissue. Then the smile when he talk about his friends.

  • @dariusherring9730
    @dariusherring9730 3 года назад +278

    Toni was a key player in the Bulls second three-peat run. We can talk about Jordan, Pippen, and Rodman but Kukoc was a great playmaker and scoring factor for Chicago.

    • @mpix00
      @mpix00 3 года назад +16

      He won a good few of those PLayoff series in the 4th quarter

    • @whenisdinner2137
      @whenisdinner2137 3 года назад +10

      In the playoffs he carried a couple of those games

    • @dariusherring9730
      @dariusherring9730 3 года назад +15

      @@whenisdinner2137 Yeah one game in particular was the 1998 ECF against Indiana in Game 7. Toni lit it up in the 3rd quarter almost single-handling keeping the Bulls in the game. 21 points!

    • @reelshooter_cs221
      @reelshooter_cs221 3 года назад +6

      For the last two championship runs, i honestly think he contributed more than Pippen

    • @ispartacus1337
      @ispartacus1337 2 года назад +7

      Longley and Kerr. The whole team was BEASTLY!!! they were really the perfect team together.

  • @ericwalker8775
    @ericwalker8775 3 года назад +200

    The man could play. Period. Congratulations Toni. A great addition to The Hall.

    • @etodd568
      @etodd568 2 года назад +1

      The left handed Magic Johnson!! Once Phil Jackson and Tex got him to play defense side of the game he became a beast!!

  • @DungarooTV
    @DungarooTV 3 года назад +280

    Legend. Deserves every bit of this.

  • @libertyvilleguy2903
    @libertyvilleguy2903 Год назад +16

    A humble and gracious man. Very happy MJ was there to support him.

  • @chriswerner5791
    @chriswerner5791 Год назад +8

    Toni Kukoc is a class act always has been and always will be. I watched all those championship runs with the greatest team ever da bulls. Amen 🙏

  • @parr40
    @parr40 3 года назад +119

    The Croatian Sensation!!
    Man The Waiter could play, he could score, good on the glass, great passing, and he was absolutely ice cold!! Clutch player

    • @master-kq3nw
      @master-kq3nw 3 года назад +4

      He could play 5 position

    • @NesDogg
      @NesDogg 3 года назад +10

      The Croatian Sensation, The Waiter, The Pink Panther
      Toni Kukoc

    • @pwimetime6687
      @pwimetime6687 3 года назад +4

      When he's on, he's ON! I MEAN HE'S REALLY ON!!

    • @TunjungUtomo
      @TunjungUtomo 3 года назад +2

      I remember when he made a fool out of that Seattle Supersonics team, the team I rooted for in that finals, he dunked in the face of Shawn Kemp and Detlef Schrempf

  • @etodd568
    @etodd568 2 года назад +78

    Toni Kukoc was a great player & once Phil Jackson got him to play the defensive side of basketball along with MJ molding him he became a even better basketball player than he was in Europe. The talent on the 1996 - 1998 Bulls teams was one of the best ever.

  • @albertol9654
    @albertol9654 3 года назад +14

    Kukoc very underrated player. So clutch at times and superb passing.

  • @awesom2bemelonestar10
    @awesom2bemelonestar10 3 года назад +24

    Man I love this guy. He hit so many clutch and big shots for the Bulls.

  • @yvonneboaten8289
    @yvonneboaten8289 3 года назад +15

    A gentle human being. You can't help but like him. Congrats sir.

  • @rosakop1
    @rosakop1 3 года назад +33

    Such a humble and respectful man. Keeps saying thank you

  • @gerardolopez4318
    @gerardolopez4318 3 года назад +317

    Not only did MJ and Scottie run a fast break to perfection, Kukoc was a master at it also at 6'11" left handed!

    • @anthonylockhart4943
      @anthonylockhart4943 3 года назад +3

      Kukoc was a bench player garbage was not needed

    • @cheezezlayer493
      @cheezezlayer493 3 года назад +16

      @@anthonylockhart4943 not true he did a lot and sacrifice alot like everyone else he's one of the greatest sixth man team ever!

    • @gerardolopez4318
      @gerardolopez4318 3 года назад +11

      @@cheezezlayer493 why reply to that 🤡? He don't know sh*t

    • @kervinpadilla4046
      @kervinpadilla4046 3 года назад +5

      @@gerardolopez4318 straight facts this chumps don't know anything about basketball.

    • @jasonreyes25
      @jasonreyes25 3 года назад +2

      @@anthonylockhart4943 you prolly can’t hit a damn free throw even if the basket is as big as an ocean. Sit your ass down girl!!!

  • @MrDotaleavers
    @MrDotaleavers 3 года назад +226

    "The practice we had were harder than the games we played". The most underrated comment and underrated context in the whole picture of what it means to be a champion. He has proven himself in the face of Scottie that he can do his part as a member of his team, by making the shot that pippen should have taken.

    • @jermaineonealnumber7
      @jermaineonealnumber7 3 года назад +6

      I remember that from back in the day, that shot was a huge deal, Scottie was not happy bout that at all.

    • @polpol1005
      @polpol1005 3 года назад +14

      @@jermaineonealnumber7 yeah but phil was obviously right to pick toni

  • @JDL0427
    @JDL0427 Год назад +18

    He played so elegantly and humbly. Bless him

  • @lonestarcollectiblezcom2602
    @lonestarcollectiblezcom2602 10 месяцев назад +4

    Tony is a very humble, well spoken person, I remember his playing days and he was a force in his own right. This honor is well deserved for this world champion!

  • @loongmichael7367
    @loongmichael7367 3 года назад +127

    Congrats Toni. What a legend in his own rights

  • @TruthHasSpoken
    @TruthHasSpoken 3 года назад +54

    Any time Toni is in Chicago, Chicago fans will happily through a parade just for him. He will forever be loved.

  • @alessandromanzo3282
    @alessandromanzo3282 3 года назад +71

    He is a part of a legend, he deserves it!!!

  • @tonybreeden863
    @tonybreeden863 Год назад +34

    Kukoc was just instrumental in helping shine light on European talent and paved the way for a lot of the European stars in the league today. What a legend

  • @sebastianschwald1625
    @sebastianschwald1625 3 года назад +54

    What a great speech, you can really see how humble and happy he is. Great basketball player and great person!

  • @xanax055
    @xanax055 3 года назад +119

    To me personally, one of the most underrated NBA players of all time. I can say that I am proud that we were once citizens of one country. Toni, absolutely happy to see you in HOF.
    Čestitke Toni, uživaj u zasluženoj mirovini, zaslužia si. Sad si to i dokaza!

    • @Pauloajm15
      @Pauloajm15 3 года назад +8

      He is, to me, the best pure European basketball player, ever. The EU GOAT. NBA-wise, he was underrated. Few players had his skill set, back then.

    • @timothygreen2689
      @timothygreen2689 3 года назад +1

      He is a great person so humble and he was a tough matchup for opposing teams a six eleven guy who played like a guard who was tough off the dribble and could hit the threes Im glad Chicago were able to pick him up.

  • @sir_byronroy
    @sir_byronroy 3 года назад +51

    Toni Kukoc is one of the greatest team mates of MJ in the Chicago Bulls Dynasty during their time. I am deeply thankful enough to watch them in my lifetime. Salute for his induction to the Hall of Fame. Crotia is surely very proud of him. 🥰

  • @Tunguska2008
    @Tunguska2008 3 года назад +49

    Bravo što si spomenuo sve naše trenere. Čestitam na ulasku u Hall of Fame

  • @jpmccray6754
    @jpmccray6754 3 года назад +54

    Wow!!!!! Beautiful speech!!!! Gave me goosebumps. Tony Kukoc = PURE CLASS. And I'm not even a NBA fan. 👌

  • @danielh5159
    @danielh5159 8 месяцев назад +4

    what a class act and a GREAT player

  • @Gshellshock
    @Gshellshock 3 года назад +57

    I saw them play back in the nineties. Feels like it was yesterday… Man, so many great memories.

  • @randyeisensmith1483
    @randyeisensmith1483 3 года назад +32

    Long overdue. One of the greatest international players of all time and one of the best players during his years with the Bulls.
    Had he been on any other NBA team in his prime, he would have been one of the league's true stars.

  • @klitschkobrosfan
    @klitschkobrosfan 3 года назад +74

    His last statement sums up everything. He played a supportive role in Chicago when he could have been in a Luka Doncic type role elsewhere. He played the ball handler and playmaker in the Euro leagues and this is where he excelled. At 6'11' and with speed excellent shooting and passing and possessing clutch mastery he imo would have could have been up there on the all time list if he was the star of his own team and I had good support both mentally and physically especially if brought over sooner and with limited injuries. He definitely deserved this as his support was essential for the Bulls and he sacrificed so much at the expense of being severely underrated and in some other parallel universe I wouldn't be surprised if he was labeled the goat.

    • @balazsholocsi8593
      @balazsholocsi8593 3 года назад +2

      So true

    • @jugganuat6440
      @jugganuat6440 3 года назад +4

      Being a Chicago product and a bulls fan Toni sacrificed a lot he could have started on any nba team as a point guard. I’m glad in the end the league recognized how good he really is and how much of an important part he played with the bulls.

    • @pharkasj
      @pharkasj 3 года назад +1

      He was only 30 when he left Bulls. He was just not good enough to score 25-30 ppg, or do something else other than 10-15 ppg and clutch shots. Compare him to Eddie Jones. That guy had better ppg, he was an elite defender, led the league in steals, and he has no chance for the hof. There were too many good players to induct guys like Toni. Imo.

    • @klitschkobrosfan
      @klitschkobrosfan 3 года назад

      @@pharkasj it's the circumstances he was in that prevented his true success. 1 thing was it was a new thing to bring over Euro players. Secondly, it was unusual especially then for a 6'11" guy to play the ball handler which is what he was in the Euro leagues. Those 2 things combined prevented a Luka Doncic type situation. They put him as a forward and had him add size when on the Bulls . So that didn't help his movement. He also got used to his role and that probably shook his confidence a bit. So those 2 things combined sort of prevented him reverting back to ball handler after he left the Bulls nevermind that the league was still not ready for a foreign player at that size playing ball handler even if he didn't add weight. The weight added to his injuries as well which effected his playing of course too . Even on the Bulls and not playing his role and coming off the bench primarily he still had pretty good stats. So im saying especially if he played today but even back then if they would have had him as the ball handler like he was in the Euro leagues and especially if they put a team around him like they did luka and brought him over sooner you would have saw something phenomenal.

    • @pharkasj
      @pharkasj 3 года назад

      @@klitschkobrosfan Thats all true. But so many what ifs. I didnt say, he wasnt good, i just said some players with better career missed the hof, so it's a bit unfair.

  • @joevonloser00
    @joevonloser00 3 года назад +8

    Congratulations! Never forget you guys knocking out my 96' Sonics!

  • @djdife5147
    @djdife5147 2 года назад +14

    Finally! Deserved it so much. A trailblazer. Paved the way with Drazen, Detlef and Sarunas for all these great international players we have now. He would have killed it in this modern era basketball.

  • @ersonvelasco2531
    @ersonvelasco2531 3 года назад +53

    The highschool sweetheart... been there from the beginning till becoming a Hall of Famer... that’s the most amazing part of Toni Kukoc’s life as an exceptional athlete...

    • @richchiaramonte5861
      @richchiaramonte5861 3 года назад +2

      Right? That says loads about his character. I’m sure beautiful woman came out of the woodwork once he got famous- but he loved his girl and stuck around. Webster dictionary’s definition of a class act

    • @ryank2465
      @ryank2465 3 года назад

      @@richchiaramonte5861 he cheated on her, so not really

  • @bobbysayasane3413
    @bobbysayasane3413 3 года назад +162

    I'm a simple man. When I see Tony Kukoc giving out a moderate, heart-warming yet compelling Hall of Fame speech, I click.
    That or cuz he was one of my childhood heroes playing for the home team :)

    • @nickp440
      @nickp440 3 года назад +3

      Not even a bulls fan and i felt like i needed to click

  • @e6coronel
    @e6coronel 3 года назад +69

    As a Bulls fan, its a treat in my lifetime to see again two of my favorite players in the franchise. What a time to be alive! Congratulations Toni, you deserve to be in the HOF.

    • @master-kq3nw
      @master-kq3nw 3 года назад +7

      Greetings from.croatia lot of bulls fans here

    • @balazsholocsi8593
      @balazsholocsi8593 3 года назад +2

      @@master-kq3nw Greetings from Hungary... lot of Toni fans here!

    • @master-kq3nw
      @master-kq3nw 3 года назад +3

      @@balazsholocsi8593 greetings hungary 👍 he was good player 3 time chamipon europe 89 90 91 with jugoplastika 96 97 98 3 titles with bulls

  • @acehernandez8341
    @acehernandez8341 3 года назад +34

    He's very humble until to this time. One of my favorite NBA player of all time . Congrats Tony !

  • @LotusBrommel
    @LotusBrommel 3 года назад +10

    Toni is a class act. I came of age during the last 3 titles. Thanks for the memories, Toni.

  • @vavanz
    @vavanz 3 года назад +58

    GOAT. Humble, genious, dear, for me the best basketball player. The waiter, Pink Panther..always first playing for team, not for himself. Amazing, unique, with deep understanding of game... he played the most beautiful basketball i have ever seen. From Jugoplastika days, Benetton...Bulls... great great man! Thank you dear Toni on every minute in game. Congrats!

  • @erixxon74
    @erixxon74 3 года назад +11

    what a humble , down to earth and considerate guy. very heartfelt and sincere. this guy wasn’t corrupted or spoiled by his success. kudos!

  • @timjthru
    @timjthru 3 года назад +56

    So so so so refreshing to see someone of Toni's caliber be so thankful, grateful and appreciative. Much respect.

  • @ozamatazbuckshank7467
    @ozamatazbuckshank7467 3 года назад +341

    This dude is straight up gangsta. Imagine having enough power to force mj and reindsorf (2 hard ass big ego billionaire who hate each other) to sit together hearing you talk lol

    • @crashboy0
      @crashboy0 3 года назад +18

      I was wondering how that happened as soon as I saw them sitting behind him. But maybe it was as simple as asking both of them to be there and they said yes because they are fond of Toni and have a great relationship with him. I do wonder however if MJ and Reindsorf talked or if they shook hands.

    • @leroygeorge352
      @leroygeorge352 2 года назад +39

      I could be wrong, but I'm not sure MJ particularly hated Reinsdorf. I think the bulk of his anger was directed towards Krause.

    • @kennyg7163
      @kennyg7163 2 года назад +7

      he hated krause more. he's probably okay with reinsdorf.

    • @vicrattlehead6386
      @vicrattlehead6386 2 года назад +3

      Yea but MJ looks so relax while Reindorf looks frozen.

    • @michaelharvin5362
      @michaelharvin5362 Год назад +1

      Mike didn't hate reinstorf he hated krause

  • @chrisf8855
    @chrisf8855 3 года назад +195

    Toni was so talented and the Bulls were lucky to have him.

    • @izubCologne
      @izubCologne 2 года назад +3

      On this time He was the best European Player.

    • @vicangeluparas8174
      @vicangeluparas8174 Год назад +3

      This time it's luka and giannis

    • @danieljong8442
      @danieljong8442 11 месяцев назад +4

      Jerry Krause fought like hell to get him. Turned out to be a real coup. Without players like Kukoc, Detlef Schrempf, Drazen Petrovic, Vlade Divac, Dino Radja etc, there wouldn't be the Lukas and Giannises of today. The first wave of European players gave rise to what there is today

    • @chrisf8855
      @chrisf8855 11 месяцев назад

      @@danieljong8442 amen💯

  • @raymondmaglonzo5346
    @raymondmaglonzo5346 3 года назад +61

    When goat Mj on ur eductives... ur 🔥🔥🔥 congrats toni

  • @gregl9175
    @gregl9175 3 года назад +44

    Thank you Toni for all the memories, you were part of something very special, god bless you!

  • @33neptun
    @33neptun 3 года назад +241

    Thank you Toni for all those nights that i spent waiting for Chicago games only to watch YOU playing. Not so much Jordan, nor Pippen, but YOU. Of course, all together you was amazing team. Your playing was a pure poetry, and incredible pleasure to watch. You made ALL of your teammates much better than they was. In my opinion, you are European GOAT. No discussion about it. Chicago should, and i'm sure that eventualy they WILL, retire number 7 on the top of the United center.

    • @DrPhill96
      @DrPhill96 3 года назад +5

      Retire #7? 🤣😂😅

    • @asdasdbinaltiapayansa24ora94
      @asdasdbinaltiapayansa24ora94 3 года назад +5

      For me gasol is the european goat hus achievements in fiba europe says it all

    • @gdc6153
      @gdc6153 3 года назад +10

      I didn't watch the Bulls to see Jordan play I only watched to see Toni🤔

    • @tisonj532
      @tisonj532 3 года назад +1

      Speechless. SMFH

    • @zabiricon7478
      @zabiricon7478 3 года назад +8

      @@gdc6153 lol I think that was a toni burner or a family member commenting 😂

  • @thomasbrandt8265
    @thomasbrandt8265 2 года назад +11

    Toni deserves so much more attention than I feel he gets as a true legend. I can't count how many times I was watching the playoffs and the finals that he came through save the day and had me jumping off the couch no joke ! ✌

  • @htl3472
    @htl3472 Год назад +11

    What a heartfelt speech. And very humble.

  • @dtsa2465
    @dtsa2465 3 года назад +33

    I am so happy that how he honoured his " first" time back home and the coaches that taught him and then follow by Chicago Bulls ! Humble giant . Respect !

  • @devinmoose
    @devinmoose 3 года назад +81

    The dude picked up Basketball at the age of 15. That tells you just how naturally talented and skilled he was. He'd be even better in today's game. Come to think of it, he'd probably be a great great player.

    • @bobshenix
      @bobshenix 3 года назад +17

      The fact that he stayed with the same woman since his high school days says a lot about him too IMO

  • @bobbyscarfo2544
    @bobbyscarfo2544 3 года назад +24

    Very deserving.... very humble.... Toni was a great basketball player, and now we all see what an even greater human being he is. It was a privilege to watch his career unfold.

    • @mjjones1045
      @mjjones1045 3 года назад

      Man, everybody gets into the hall of fame in basketball. He should not be a hall of famer

    • @air2373
      @air2373 3 года назад

      @@mjjones1045 It’s BASKETBALL hall of fame, not only NBA. Plus, Kukoc is one of the best sixth mans of the year, he was a great scorer and clutch as well. He was the second best player in the Bulls in 1998. He definitely deserves it.

  • @majorxdf
    @majorxdf 3 года назад +15

    Hell of a guy and player. I've watched him at the beginning with the bulls. Couldn't think of anyone more deserving.

  • @matrix8750
    @matrix8750 3 года назад +7

    Tony always one of my favorite players of all time humble type of human being

  • @uscgbmcmretired2490
    @uscgbmcmretired2490 3 года назад +33

    Toni was awesome, 1 of 3 clutch shooters/game-winners on the best NBA team ever, the '96 Bulls!

  • @JohnSmith-jg5rm
    @JohnSmith-jg5rm 3 года назад +12

    Finally someone making mention of their father... thank you, my dad was my hero.

  • @ckfandor4300
    @ckfandor4300 2 года назад +30

    We love you Toni. Your a legend not only in your own country of Croatia. But also here in the United States 🇺🇸 NBA basketball community. You've been idolized, respected, and a great contributor to the Chicago Bulls championship run..Thank you so much. Stay strong and God bless to you and your family 👪 👍

  • @spongeesponge9623
    @spongeesponge9623 3 года назад +106

    Toni's giving credits almost all his coaches and bosses for his successes, a sign that he is one of the great human being ever walked in this earth

  • @jasonwilliams6330
    @jasonwilliams6330 Год назад +12

    Some youngsters just don't realize how good Tony really was And to think that Michael and Scotty were so hard on him when they played him in the Olympics plus when he got to Chicago they tested him they had to know he was tough he almost went home but he was tough and stuck it out and he had a good career So deserving

  • @floydalexander4318
    @floydalexander4318 3 года назад +19

    Congrats Toni. You truly deserves it. One of the greats.

  • @alexrichrevue5731
    @alexrichrevue5731 3 года назад +79

    Absolutely LOVED his game AND knowledge of the game! What a heartfelt and wonderful acceptance speech! CONGRATULATIONS TONI KUKOC!!😃🙏🏿☝🏾❤️

  • @abuwadie3
    @abuwadie3 3 года назад +142

    Class act. I’m glad he got In. He Sacrificed a potential a “ Luka doncic” type role/career to play along side the goat.

    • @draymondgreenie7356
      @draymondgreenie7356 3 года назад +3

      More like Manu Ginobili

    • @calvinletigre7687
      @calvinletigre7687 3 года назад +1

      Stop it Luka IS different

    • @rick5976
      @rick5976 3 года назад +13

      @@calvinletigre7687 Toni was equally as good. The man has a pedigree Luka can only hope to achieve. Toni sacrificed more then any other player in that era only playing about 25 min a game & maybe getting 5 min a game as the #1 scoring option. He started at all 5 positions when guys were injured & the team never missed a beat. As a starter for the Bulls he was a 20/6/6 guy without having the offense go through him. He did all this in era where defense was tougher and hand checking/grabbing was allowed. If we had a time machine Toni would easily be a top 10 player in todays game.

    • @Starch1b2c3d4a
      @Starch1b2c3d4a 3 года назад +3

      Lol, stop it

    • @georgiethesir
      @georgiethesir 3 года назад +2

      @@calvinletigre7687 yeah. Luka is not a team player. More like a James Harden lmao.

  • @annarakannan6620
    @annarakannan6620 3 года назад +17

    Tony you are a class act, one of the greatest players to ever play the game and most importantly a fantastic and humble human being who loves his wife and family. You have been truly blessed by God in every way and you deserve every bit of it. The world could use a million more people like you. God bless you and your family.

  • @somersetcace1
    @somersetcace1 3 года назад +18

    I gained instant respect for Toni after that thrashing in the Olympics. To come to Chicago and settle in as he did after all of that said a lot to me about his character. One of my favorite highlights of his, is game 6 1997 finals, Pippin steals the inbound pass after Kerr's big shot and gets it to Toni for a final slam dunk to seal it. Seemed fitting somehow. It was also kind of touching to see the look on Jordan's face through this video. Like a proud mentor who obviously gained his respect for Toni as well.

  • @BornAgainOutdoorsman
    @BornAgainOutdoorsman 3 года назад +45

    One of the most underrated players, definitely the most underrated part of those bulls teams!

  • @tonieyam
    @tonieyam 3 года назад +34

    Literally admired this lad while I played basketball in high school. It's a great feeling to see him rise to this moment...

  • @swaydaygaming7571
    @swaydaygaming7571 3 года назад +16

    Legend. Had the smoothest lefty stroke and always came up clutch. 90's Bulls couldn't had done it without him. Goated

  • @GMike22
    @GMike22 2 года назад +7

    The memory that stands out for me most about Toni was how long I had to wait to get him here. I was running out of “Wait till you see this guy” stories. Congratulations- well deserved.

  • @nb5316
    @nb5316 3 года назад +9

    I remember when he came over to play for the Chicago bulls he hit the ground running and never looked back TONY was the man those were great times the 90s !!!!

  • @GoGo-no8cw
    @GoGo-no8cw 3 года назад +45

    One of the best in Chicago along with Scotie, Harper, Rodman, Horace. Good job, this guy can shoot under pressure and has beautiful stroke.

    • @Nothing-nf8ve
      @Nothing-nf8ve 3 года назад

      Where is jordan?

    • @antoniosan1218
      @antoniosan1218 3 года назад +1

      @@Nothing-nf8ve playin' golf :D

    • @sran5947
      @sran5947 3 года назад

      @@Nothing-nf8ve , he said one of the best...in a group. Therefore he is not the best, and thus you answered your own question.

    • @cheezezlayer493
      @cheezezlayer493 3 года назад

      @@antoniosan1218 oh u mean the time when MJ is still in retirement thats the time when kukoc got in

    • @GoGo-no8cw
      @GoGo-no8cw 3 года назад

      Hahaha those are the supporting cast. I did not mention the obvious.

  • @jeffbautista2009
    @jeffbautista2009 3 года назад +7

    Until now so Humble
    Well Deserving
    Congrats Toni Kukoc

  • @michaelheathington9546
    @michaelheathington9546 3 года назад +10

    Toni thank you for helping us win championships, you're a class act you deserve the Hall of Fame, congratulations!

  • @Jogadireito79
    @Jogadireito79 2 года назад +9

    O melhor estrangeiro que já jogou na NBA! Kukoc legenda 🇧🇷

  • @raymondlucero4999
    @raymondlucero4999 3 года назад +29

    Big part of the Bulls winning consecutive champions. I used to love watching him dunk the ball. He had such a smoothness to his dunks. Congrats Toni! Well earned and more than deserved..

  • @Grillinnap
    @Grillinnap 3 года назад +15

    That speech was so simple yet perfect

  • @TitoJonJon
    @TitoJonJon 3 года назад +22

    one of the greatest complementary players.. clutch❤

  • @gurujr
    @gurujr 3 года назад +16

    Humble thoughtful speech from one of the greatest Bulls Toni Kukoc. Well deserved.

  • @anhchiem9467
    @anhchiem9467 3 года назад +4

    Such humble man ! All about others who helped him ! Very good basketball player , greater human being

  • @wilmiranda7956
    @wilmiranda7956 3 года назад +8

    Really down to earth and humble. We love you Toni.

  • @MrJulio-hl5md
    @MrJulio-hl5md 3 года назад +11

    Kakva je to legenda čoveče..toliko mi je drago sto sam ga gledao uživo nekoliko puta u evropi i stotine utakmica u LIVE prenosima...
    MA TO JE BILO SPEKTAKULARNO..
    Svaka čast Kuki..zaslužio si..trebao si ući tu jos pre 10 godina 💯💯🙋‍♂️💪

  • @StandUpGill
    @StandUpGill 3 года назад +33

    The Bulls were a juggernaut!! It was easy to appreciate the entire team for knowing their roles and necessary contributions to win it all. Toni is still one of my favourites of all time.

  • @lucjanpetroniusz4970
    @lucjanpetroniusz4970 3 года назад +6

    Have been to Split yesterday! Beautiful city and Kukoc is a legend there! As European Iam so proud of his achievements

  • @reginaldjones9103
    @reginaldjones9103 3 года назад +7

    This is what having a humble spirit looks like. This guy was an outstanding player but he realized that he didn't do this by himself and thanked everybody that had anything to do with his success.

  • @johncase2408
    @johncase2408 3 года назад +19

    Kukoc was one of the first 'unicorns' 🦄. He could have scored alot more if he were on another team. That's okay, playing with Scottie and his Airness. It was fun watching that team.