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via Getty

via Getty

The Chicago Bulls released an eye-pleasant tribute video ahead of the ‘Ring of Honor’ ceremony to grasp the focus of the fans. As expected, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman made an appearance, but the Bulls revealed a “Big 4,” which came as a surprise for many. In addition to this, famous Bulls writer Sam Smith did not hesitate to choose the fourth superstar over Michael Jordan to give him the “Best clutch shot maker” tag.

Who is this show stealer? 6’11 European masterclass Toni Kukoc found his way into the Bulls’ special video for the Ring of Honor night. Well, there are some reasons behind it and former Bulls stars have revealed Kukoc’s influence which got him into the video. “Everyone is actually looking at the big 3, and we actually had a big 4,” shared Randy Brown, a 3x Bulls champion. Brown added, “Toni Kukoc was a star before he put on a Bulls uniform.”

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Sam Smith shared, “Nobody sacrificed more, maybe in the history of basketball than Toni Kukoc…He led the league in game-winning shots. So here we had probably the best clutch shot maker in the team and that’s a team of Michael Jordan on it.” 

How was Toni Kukoc the key to the Chicago Bulls?

Kukoc played a crucial part in the Bulls second three-peat. Many believe, if not for the European forward, things would have got harder for the team. The 6’11 star was basically an all-in-one package and the Bulls couldn’t have asked for anything better. Sam Smith shared, “We had the best passing facilitator and that was a team of Scottie Pippen on it”.

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Read more: Toni Kukoc Names Scottie Pippen as the ‘Greatest Teammate’ Ahead of Michael Jordan

According to Kerr, when Kukoc played on a high level, the Bull were unbeatable. The term ‘Sixth Man’ was given more value only after fans understood Kukoc’s influence in the team. When Jordan missed the game winning shot against the Utah Jazz in game 5, he told the team that the last shot must have gone to Kukoc, who had already put up 30 points, with a 11-13 field goal.

According to John Paxson, “We don’t win that game without Toni Kukoc”. Well, that is how important the 55-year-old was for the Bulls.

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Watch this story: “After LeBron James complaints about HoF, Sue Bird has an answer for the King”

Now you know why Kukoc is in the tribute video as the 4th big name. Do you agree with this?