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

Celebrate the career of Toni Kukoc as the 3-time NBA Champion was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
#ToniKukoc #21HoopClass #BasketballHallofFame
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[@oacevedo81]

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

[@alkhojames7504]

what time?

[@xuxrh8476]

@@alkhojames7504 6:45

[@curtisfranzen986]

@@alkhojames7504 GAME TIME!!!

[@roqueiii645]

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

[@bowmanencore]

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

[@marcusjames9353]

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]

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

[@travisdurham29]

@@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]

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

[@oneman9121]

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]

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

[@jorgeluispuponieves3495]

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

[@StennMathis]

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]

Pippen being a Grade A Busta these days

[@cochise4390]

@@2KILLAVILLE 😂😂

[@gibververgib1235]

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

[@CarlosRodriguez-xy3yc]

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

[@jaironunez7196]

Beautiful speech. This guy is pure class.

[@nathana2776]

Well said. Absolute Champion

[@lorrydriver1004]

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

[@balazsholocsi8593]

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

[@laythadrian5705]

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

[@edwinjones1000]

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]

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

[@panchito1384]

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

[@josepha.4072]

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

[@simonssol3526]

That went right over the crowds head. Great humility

[@Mikel424]

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

[@ericmgl5143]

hahahahahahahaaha

[@ntnnot]

Toni had it figured out

[@kovdie]

Play for the name in front,not back

[@jjutt87]

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

[@myhandslife7395]

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

[@ozamatazbuckshank7467]

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]

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]

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]

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

[@vicrattlehead6386]

Yea but MJ looks so relax while Reindorf looks frozen.

[@michaelharvin5362]

Mike didn't hate reinstorf he hated krause

[@buzzy-ears]

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

[@dimvalsgames9721]

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]

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

[@efisgpr]

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]

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

[@andyraphael]

Yes

[@noelmanuel0823]

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]

Toni Is a guy, great heart

[@ryank2465]

@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]

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

[@ryank2465]

@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]

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

[@nohalfmeasures6]

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]

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

[@RobinXlone]

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

[@aidangriffiths5075]

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

[@g99se9]

The prototype for KD and other players of today.

[@petr79]

Yugoslavia in 1996 Olympics final proved otherwise

[@josecoba6998]

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

[@God.Real.Account]

Me: "who, never heard of him?" josecoba6998: "Ok, casual" Me: "your casual" josecoba6998: "ok, whatever lil kid"

[@teriblo]

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

[@lavarriley4855]

8 thought Mike didn't have a super team 🤔

[@bbennyj]

@@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]

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

[@freshoftheoven965]

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]

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

[@andrewbradley5235]

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]

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]

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]

toni is so suited for todays style of game

[@blankname6629]

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

[@firstnamelastname8323]

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

[@vladimirjanjusevic]

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

[@etodd568]

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.

[@zipacino92]

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

[@Tankpacqikcao]

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]

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

[@goat2559]

@@darkosimic9890 man you lucky

[@goat2559]

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

[@darkosimic9890]

@@goat2559 🤣

[@dariusherring9730]

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]

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

[@whenisdinner2137]

In the playoffs he carried a couple of those games

[@dariusherring9730]

@@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]

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

[@ispartacus1337]

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

[@chrisf8855]

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

[@izubCologne]

On this time He was the best European Player.

[@vicangeluparas8174]

This time it's luka and giannis

[@danieljong8442]

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]

@@danieljong8442 amen💯

[@chriswerner5791]

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 🙏

[@Zdkim]

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]

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]

Don’t forget BJ Armstrong

[@JustLikeHeaven77]

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]

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]

Yeah and they would've won without him‼️

[@ericwalker8775]

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

[@etodd568]

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

[@mirkovukovic7052]

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]

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]

Amen Brother... Toni was a class act.

[@AGTsakumis]

@@antoinebracy5718 Amen, brother, amen.

[@etodd568]

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

[@AGTsakumis]

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

[@Tamburello_1994]

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

[@dimogj]

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]

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

[@yxz3177]

@@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]

@@yxz3177 Europe means nothing, thats why mediocre American players dominate there and in other countries. He was just the 6th man thats it!

[@yxz3177]

@@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]

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.

[@abuwadie3]

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]

More like Manu Ginobili

[@calvinletigre7687]

Stop it Luka IS different

[@rick5976]

@@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]

Lol, stop it

[@hentanime17]

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

[@tonybreeden863]

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

[@bradmenpes809]

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

[@devinmoose]

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]

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

[@gerardolopez4318]

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]

Kukoc was a bench player garbage was not needed

[@cheezezlayer493]

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

[@gerardolopez4318]

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

[@kervinpadilla4046]

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

[@jasonreyes25]

@@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!!!

[@jasonwilliams6330]

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

[@albertol9654]

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

[@TruthHasSpoken]

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

[@MrDotaleavers]

"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]

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

[@polpol1005]

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

[@lonestarcollectiblezcom2602]

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!

[@AllinOne-dg3dk]

TONI KUKOC IS LEGEND

[@parr40]

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]

He could play 5 position

[@NesDogg]

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

[@pwimetime6687]

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

[@TunjungUtomo]

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

[@DungarooAdventures]

Legend. Deserves every bit of this.

[@jpmccray6754]

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

[@God.Real.Account]

Then what WNBA? 🤭

[@JDL0427]

He played so elegantly and humbly. Bless him

[@xanax055]

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]

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]

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.

[@ersonvelasco2531]

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]

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]

@@richchiaramonte5861 he cheated on her, so not really

[@ciesinsk]

I love how Tony talks about Scottie as if he was sitting there. 😢

[@drewstar8611]

One of the reasons why Jordan is the GOAT. Look at the size of his hands when he hugs Kukoc. He was handling the basketball like it was a tennis ball!!!

[@AnHebrewChild]

Holy sh^# For real.

[@bobbysayasane3413]

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]

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

[@loongmichael7367]

Congrats Toni. What a legend in his own rights

[@yvonneboaten8289]

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

[@awesom2bemelonestar10]

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

[@klitschkobrosfan]

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]

So true

[@jugganuat6440]

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]

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]

@@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]

@@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.

[@e6coronel]

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]

Greetings from.croatia lot of bulls fans here

[@balazsholocsi8593]

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

[@master-kq3nw]

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

[@libertyvilleguy2903]

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

[@spongeesponge9623]

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

[@raymondmaglonzo5346]

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

[@ridhowiranatakusumah6531]

Mj look so proud bro

[@randyeisensmith1483]

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.

[@djdife5147]

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.

[@balajisrinivasan8132]

Met him at a golf event, got an autograph on a Bulls cap - as everyone says, humble guy. Well deserved, congrats!

[@byronroy4406]

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. 🥰

[@rosakop1]

Such a humble and respectful man. Keeps saying thank you

[@johncase2408]

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.

[@joevonloser00]

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

[@Grzelsonable]

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

[@33neptun]

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]

Retire #7? 🤣😂😅

[@asdasdbinaltiapayansa24ora94]

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

[@gdc6153]

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

[@tisonj532]

Speechless. SMFH

[@zabiricon7478]

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

[@GMike22]

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.

[@sebastianschwald1625]

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

[@bobbymarsh1]

Even MJ said years ago Toni would get in and he did!! International phenomenon and winner NBA 3X winner and 6th man of the year winner a true legend of the game..congratulations

[@Grillinnap]

That speech was so simple yet perfect

[@reginaldjones9103]

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.

[@ckfandor4300]

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 👪 👍

[@alessandromanzo3282]

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

[@erixxon74]

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

[@SwaggerLikeUz]

If I had to pick my top 10 personal favorite players all time, Toni Kukoc is one of them. A True Legend!

[@AnHebrewChild]

Me too. 100.0%

[@matrix8750]

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

[@anthonyslazas2898]

Thank you Michael for coming back to the Bulls!!

[@JohnSmith-jg5rm]

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

[@LotusBrommel]

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

[@htl3472]

What a heartfelt speech. And very humble.

[@hjones899]

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

[@jaenonfernandez6052]

I’m so glad he’s in the HOF! Well deserved. Very underrated.

[@conradsz]

My favorite all time NBA player. I watched the 96-98 finals live on TV at night, living in Poland.

[@JustMeUK2023]

Same here, watched live on German satellite TV living in Poland... what times considering things happening now :(

[@yt_energy]

how did you watch it at night? it would have bee 3:30am when those games were played in Chicago or 5:30am when they were played in Seattle and utah.

[@nb5316]

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 !!!!

[@recryption620]

Kukoc was touted as the overseas Jordan coming into the league as i remember it. Congratulations

[@ALCblackout24HD]

I was born in 98. How good was he? I wish I could see all these legends today live lol

[@rejubarchgliasis1830]

@@ALCblackout24HD im croat and in europe he could play 1-5 position. He was clutch player, shooter and his pass and assist were thing of art. For me it was mistake that in nba they put lot of weight on him he lose speed and explosivness. He was not good defender. I think in todays nba he would be mvp multiple times he was that good . Off course this is only my opinion.

[@klitschkobrosfan]

@@rejubarchgliasis1830 in my opinion they put him in the completely wrong position and utilized him incorrectly. And that mistake is why they had him gain weight etc which made it harder to transition back if he ever needed to to the ball handler and playmaker he was best at.i like luka doncic but in my opinion kukoc was better in every way except possibly some aspects of defense . But what he lacked he made up for in height so I'd say about even . But everything else. Clutch passing shooting free throws especially he was better than doncic. Doncic is young though so who knows he still has room to grow but as of now if say toni was better

[@mrmacross]

@@ALCblackout24HD He was good, but he was the #3 option for Chicago so his numbers were never that great. He was ahead of his time as a perimeter-oriented big who could shoot, handle the ball, and find the open man. I was a fan, but I have to be honest. His NBA accomplishments alone were not great enough for him to get inducted into the Hall. He's in because, in addition to being a key member of three NBA title teams, he had a super successful international career, kind of like Manu Ginobili.

[@timjthru]

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

[@williamwalsh1533]

Great speech but NO ONE will top Jordan's Hall of Fame speech. That speech was pure gold.

[@somersetcace1]

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.

[@chrisbo3493]

Thank you Toni! After Schrempf and the terrible loss of Drazen you were the first Euro-Guy to step up for clutch moments.

[@gregl9175]

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

[@thomasbrandt8265]

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 ! ✌

[@majorxdf]

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

[@GoGo-no8cw]

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]

Where is jordan?

[@antoniosan1218]

@@Nothing-nf8ve playin' golf :D

[@sran5947]

@@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]

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

[@GoGo-no8cw]

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

[@vavanz]

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!

[@LasVardasBiH]

Toni Kukoč je jedan od najboljih.

[@anrirovi3259]

Such a gentleman.and one of the greatest european players.remember him from yugoplastika.what a player

[@Tunguska2008]

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

[@StandUpGill]

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.

[@marcoslaureano5562]

I can't front, his first season, Toni did cause a couple of frustrating moments for some of us Bulls fans - but it was part of the learning curve. Once Toni got adjusted, we all saw why this man was a star in Europe. He was a special player, on a lesser team, he'd have had a bunch of inflated but meaningless stats. Instead, he came in humble af and was immediately a huge part of the second three peat and it seemed like he always nailed a clutch shot when we needed it most. He fit right in to the Bulls culture that MJ and Phil had worked hard to create. A team of WINNERS. He did whatever he was called on to do and would do it at the highest level. And I love that MJ, like a TRUE leader, NEVER leaves his guys alone out there. Anytime there is an event for one of his team mates - Mike is right there. Doesn't matter who the team mate is. Well, it might matter when it comes to Scottie now.....which is really sad.

[@acehernandez8341]

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

[@bobbyscarfo2544]

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]

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

[@air2373]

@@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.

[@alexrichrevue5731]

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

[@danielh5159]

what a class act and a GREAT player

[@raymondlucero4999]

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..