Toni Kukoc Urges Fans Not to Read Too Much Into the Portrayal of the Chicago Bulls GM in ‘The Last Dance’

The Chicago Bulls were the team to beat in the 90s. The Bulls created a mighty dynasty, which troubled the opposition to a large extent. Michael Jordan was the heart of the team, while Dennis Rodman and Scottie Pippen provided support to the genius of Jordan.

There is also one guy who contributed largely to the ‘Last Dance’ team. His name is Toni Kukoc. The Croatian was instrumental to the team in many ways. He was once described as a “maverick” by coach Phil Jackson. He preferred doing things his way, and never complied with the dominance of Jordan and Pippen.

Bulls GM Jerry Krause poached him in the 1990 NBA draft in the second round. He scouted Kukoc in Europe and instantaneously became a fan of his style. However, Kukoc did not want to enter the NBA, fearing his talent would be wasted on the bench. But Krause, out of admiration of his playing style, persuaded Kukoc and made him join the team in 1993. He used the names of Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen to lure him in, saying he would partner with the best players in the world.

ESPN’s Zach Lowe recently interviewed Kukoc, where he listed his defining moments playing for the Bulls. He also added his comments on Jordan’s new documentary ‘The Last Dance.’ The Croatian was speaking his mind and made an open comment on the portrayal of Jerry Krause, who was villainized in the series.

Toni Kukoc defends the Chicago Bulls GM

Kukoc came into the team in 1993 and immediately had a tumultuous relationship with Pippen. At one point, the latter even refused to go back on the court when Phil Jackson devised a plan that involved Kukoc taking the final shot. It was a crucial match, and Pippen did not like Kukoc being the key player.

Jordan and Pippen despised Kukoc and deemed him “Jerry’s guy.” Kukoc was very much aware of this, but had to play the team game because that is what he was brought to do. Speaking about the initial episodes of ‘The Last Dance,’ he said:

“I wish Jerry were here to say his part of the story.” It’s easy to like Michael and Scottie and Dennis and Phil, and I like them all. I love them. Scottie was the ultimate team player. Michael will always, to me, be the best player ever. He changed the game. He made it global. Every player today should tip their hat to him. But you have to hear the other side. Jerry built the six-time champions. You have to give him credit.”

The 51-year-old rushed to the aid of his late friend Jerry Krause. Though Krause is accused of dismantling the Bulls’ dynasty, Kukoc wants the guys to respect him for what he achieved. He was never the one to go against MJ or Scottie. Kukoc wanted to be there for the team and perform the role which would suit them best.

His comments on the portrayal of Krause in the documentary displays the respect he still carries for his former GM. He even hopes that the upcoming episodes focus more on the joyous moments the Chicago Bulls team experienced during their three-peat winning year.