Chicago Bulls: Top 10 NBA Draft picks in franchise history

7. Toni Kukoc (SF/PF) — No. 29 pick in 1990 NBA Draft

Career stats (with the Bulls):  436 GP, 14.1 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 2.0 TOV, 45.8 FG%, 32.7 3P%, 74.8 FT%

The Chicago Bulls did not own a first round pick in the 1990 NBA Draft. But thanks to a trade with the Orlando Magic, the Bulls acquired the second pick (29th overall) in the second round.

With that pick, the Bulls selected Toni Kukoc out of Croatia. However, Kukoc would spend three more years overseas before coming to Chicago prior to the 1993-94 campaign.

During his rookie campaign Kukoc averaged 10.9 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game and was named to the All-Rookie Second Team. Although Kukoc was somewhat hesitant about making the jump to the NBA, he had a few memorable moments during his first season.

Check out this game-winner against the Indiana Pacers.

While that was a great moment in its own right, Kukoc demonstrated that he could be a clutch performer in the playoffs as well.

Facing the New York Knicks in the postseason for the fourth straight year, the Bulls found themselves down 2-0 and needing a win in Game 3 to get back into the series. With Michael Jordan retired and Scottie Pippen opting to sit out the final play of the game, who would the Bulls turn to?

Kukoc, that’s who.

His shot helped the Bulls edge the Knicks 104-102 and cut the deficit to 2-1. The Bulls went on to lose the series in seven games, but without Kukoc’s heroics, the Knicks would have probably beaten the Bulls in four or five games.

Standing at 6’11”, Kukoc proved to be a difficult cover due to his ability to shoot from the outside and beat his defenders off the dribble. During his seven seasons in the Windy City, Kukoc finished with averages of 14.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists on 46 percent shooting from the field.

Even more important, he played a key role in helping the Bulls win a second trio of championships.