It’s not unusual to see current NBA players being compared to legends of the game. Also, it’s not a secret that most players work on their craft while trying to emulate their game and incorporating some of their moves into their repertoire.
Luka Doncic, for instance, drew comparisons to Toni Tukoc even before arriving in the NBA, a resemblance that has been clearer as the years go by and he continues to thrive in the league.
As a matter of fact, even Kukoc believes that the comparisons are fair, as he sees a young version of himself when he looks at Doncic:
“That was the way I played.
When I played in Europe that was EXACTLY the way I played.
When I got to the Bulls obviously that position was more or less reserved for Scottie,” Kukoc told Bally Sports’ Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson.
Kukoc doesn’t get enough credit and recognition but he was one of the most unique and talented players in the history of the league.
Doncic, on the other hand, has already become one of the faces of the game and a worldwide sensation, a generational kind of talent that looks poised to be one of the greatest players of all time.
But, the same way it happened with Kukoc, some analysts and fans doubted his ability to dominate in the NBA just because he was an European player.
Perhaps, the best part about this is to realize how much the game tends to go full circle. Even if basketball has come a long way and changed a lot, some skillsets just never get old.
Toni Kukoc has just been inducted into the Hall of Fame and if he keeps this up, it’s only a matter of time before Luka Doncic joins him.
