So far, 23 players from Croatia have played in the NBA, placing this country among the top of the list of countries in terms of the number of basketball players it has contributed to the world’s best basketball league.
However, despite the many famous basketball names from Croatia who have been part of the NBA, only two have managed to win an NBA championship ring.
Which basketball players from Croatia have been members of the NBA?
The first name that comes to the minds of basketball fans in Croatia is the tragically lost Dražen Petrović. ”The Mozart of basketball” spent four seasons in the NBA, and just when he was beginning to make a significant ascent, a terrible traffic accident occurred in which he lost his life.
Remembering Nets legend Dražen Petrović on what would have been his 58th birthday 🙏 pic.twitter.com/oWTdXOQt6a
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) October 22, 2022
In addition to Dražen, several other famous Croatian basketball players have played in the NBA.
Among the more well-known names are Dino Radja, Toni Kukoc, Zan Tabak, Gordan Giricek, Zoran Planinic, Roko Leni Ukic, Mario Kasun, Stojko Vrankovic, Ante Zizic, and Mario Hezonja.
In addition to them, members of the NBA league have also included Dalibor Bagarić, Duje Dukan, Dragan Bender, Damir Markota, Damjan Rudez, Bruno Sundov, as well as naturalized players Justin Hamilton and Oliver Lafayette.
Currently, in the NBA, we have Bojan Bogdanovic, Dario Saric, Ivica Zubac, and Luka Samanic.
El trío Hezonja – Saric – Zubac ha liderado a Croacia a la final del clasificatorio para el preolímpico con 60 de los 85 puntos anotados en el triunfo en semifinales frente a Ucrania (85-70).
Se medirán en la final al ganador del Turquía – Suecia pic.twitter.com/s41HqxarWT
— Gigantes del Basket (@GIGANTESbasket) August 18, 2023
Which basketball players from Croatia have won NBA title?
1. ZAN TABAK (HOUSTON ROCKETS, 1995)
Žan Tabak entered the NBA in the 1994-1995 season when he signed with the Houston Rockets. Tabak spent the majority of his NBA career with the Houston Rockets. During his time with the Rockets, he served as a backup center and played alongside stars like Hakeem Olajuwon.
Tabak won an NBA championship ring during his time in the NBA league. He earned his championship with the Houston Rockets during the 1994-1995 NBA season. That year, the Rockets, led by Hakeem Olajuwon, won the NBA championship by defeating the Orlando Magic in the NBA Finals. This championship was the highlight of Zan Tabak’s NBA career, and it’s a significant achievement in his basketball career.
@DarthAmin Zan Tabak ain’t walkin through that door #PitinoGame pic.twitter.com/7W2IEDHfvc
— Alvin (@HoopsCenter) September 12, 2020
Tabak also had stints with the Toronto Raptors, where he continued to contribute as a solid backup center. Although he didn’t have a high-profile career in the NBA, Zan Tabak was known for his defensive presence, shot-blocking ability, and rebounding skills. He was valued for his role as a dependable backup center.
2. TONI KUKOC (CHICAGO BULLS, 1996, 1997 & 1998)
Toni Kukoc, a Croatian basketball legend, made his way to the NBA through a somewhat complex and highly publicized process during the early 1990s.
Kukoc began his professional basketball career in Europe, playing for Jugoplastika Split and then Benetton Treviso. He gained recognition as one of the top European players due to his versatility and skills. Kukoc’s talent did not go unnoticed by NBA scouts and teams. Several NBA teams expressed interest in signing him, but he faced challenges related to his contract situation with his European teams and the rules governing international players in the NBA.
In 1993, Kukoc’s rights were acquired by the Chicago Bulls in a trade with the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bulls had to negotiate with Kukoc and his European teams to bring him to the NBA.
“The Bulls approached me and said, ‘Do you think you’d like to play for us?’ Obviously, it was awesome.” – Toni Kukoc
Ahead of this week’s NBA Draft, hear from Kukoc on his draft experience and his rookie season, presented by @ATT: pic.twitter.com/18njP2eyNj
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) November 17, 2020
Toni Kukoc finally made his NBA debut with the Chicago Bulls in the 1993-1994 season. He joined a Bulls team that was in the midst of its dominant era with Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and other notable players.
Toni Kukoc celebrating his first championship with the Bulls in 1996. pic.twitter.com/huRrscDUpm
— Paul Knepper (@paulieknep) May 1, 2023
Kukoc quickly became an important player for the Bulls, often coming off the bench as the team’s sixth man. He was known for his ability to play multiple positions and contribute both as a scorer and a playmaker. His nickname, “The Waiter,” reflected his knack for serving up assists.
Kukoc won three NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls in 1996, 1997, and 1998. His versatility and basketball IQ made him a valuable asset to the team during their championship runs.
Clutch Finals Steals…
Scottie Pippen takes the inbounds pass the other way and taps it to Toni Kukoc for the slam to clinch Game 6 of the 1997 #NBAFinals and the Bulls 5th title! pic.twitter.com/XasxLhBf0v
— NBA (@NBA) July 19, 2021
Toni Kukoc was even named the NBA Sixth Man of the Year for the 1995-1996 season. This award is given annually to the league’s best player who primarily comes off the bench rather than starting games. Kukoc’s ability to provide scoring, playmaking, and versatility off the bench for the Chicago Bulls made him a deserving recipient of this award during that season. His contributions were instrumental in helping the Bulls secure an NBA championship that year.
Toni Kukoc’s journey to the NBA was marked by legal and contractual complexities, but once he arrived, he proved to be a highly skilled and valuable player. His success in the NBA, along with his accomplishments in international basketball, solidified his status as one of the greatest European players to transition to the NBA.
