The Bulls continued to keep it all in the family, announcing on Monday that Toni Kukoc was named special advisor to team president and COO Michael Reinsdorf.
“You only have to be around Toni for a few minutes to appreciate his personality, passion, and professionalism and recognize the contributions he will make to our team in his new role,’’ Reinsdorf said in a statement. “Toni will work across the organization and his duties will be wide-ranging. He will bring valuable perspective that comes with experience to many areas, whether it is relating to the international players on our team or sharing what it means to be a Chicago Bull when talking to partners and fans. Toni will be a strong representative of both the team’s legacy and its future.’’
Kukoc will join former Bulls great Scottie Pippen in those duties, as the former forward has served in that same role since 2012.
As far as Kukoc, he played seven seasons with the Bulls and was named the 1995-96 NBA Sixth Man of the Year. He was a member of three NBA championship teams (1996-98), and in 1992, led the Croatian Men’s National Team to a silver medal in the summer Olympics.
“It is a thrill and an honor to again be a part of the team that helped define my basketball career here in the United State and in Chicago,’’ Kukoc said. “The Bulls have become my extended family, and I am really looking forward to the future and being a Bull for life.’’