The original Luka Doncic, who enjoys the international taste of the NBA

NBA Great Toni Kukoc played at a time when international players were a subsequent thought.

He was one of the people like Dino Radja and Drazen Petrovic, who contributed to breaking the barrier in the 1990s. Now there are dozens of foreign players who dominate the league, including Luka Doncic.

Many believe Kukoc was the original Doncic.

“I see a little bit, but mostly when I played in Europe. That's how I played,” said Kukoc in an interview with Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson. “When I came to the bulls, this position was obviously more or less reserved for Scottie [Pippen]… but there were times when I got the rebound and would have freedom to increase the ball … coach Phil [Jackson] Gave me 'Carte Blanche' to deal with the ball. “

Kukoc was one of the first players overseas who had an NBA impact. From 1996 to 1998 he won three championships with the Chicago Bulls led by Michael Jordan.

After Kukoc was part of the breakthrough, he enjoys the rise of international players.

“You want this MVPS, the best rebounders, the best defenders, and I think it's nice to see,” said Kukoc. “It is nice to see the courage of people around the world, just to present their basketball, and that's why all NBA games want to see because they are so exciting and are so good.”

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Shandel Richardson is the editor of Back in the Day Hoops on Si. It can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com

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