Toni Kukoc Named Special Advisor to Chicago Bulls COO Michael Reinsdorf

Toni Kukoc returned Monday to the organization with which he won three NBA titles. The Chicago Bulls announced the former 13-year NBA veteran will work as a special advisor to team president and COO Michael Reinsdorf.  

"Toni will work across the organization and his duties will be wide-ranging," Reinsdorf said. "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 is the second member of those legendary Bulls teams brought back into the fold in a front-office role. The team appointed Scottie Pippen to the same title in October 2012.

John Swart/Associated Press

Kukoc played six-and-a-half seasons in Chicago, averaging 14.1 points per night. He established himself as one of the best sixth men in the league during that stretch, with his scoring and rebounding off of the bench instrumental to the team's success in the mid-to-late 1990s.

Born in Split, Croatia, the 46-year-old has made a second home in Chicago. In a 2011 article with Melissa Isaacson for espnW.com, Kukoc drew a parallel to the two cities in terms of sporting culture: "Right now, I'm looking at half of my life in Chicago, so I take this as home. Chicago is one of the greatest places when it comes to sports. It kind of reminds me of my hometown in Split. It doesn't matter how bad the soccer team is, everybody worships the soccer, the players and the games."

Now, Kukoc will look to do his part to help end the Bulls' 17-year NBA title drought.