One statement from a Zadar resident about Toni Kukoč caused chaos in Serbia: 'Basketball is not a sport for you'

A historical professor from Zadar, Tomislav Horvat, ignited a firestorm on social media platform X by declaring Toni Kukoč the most talented and best basketball player to emerge from the former Yugoslavia. Horvat, a history teacher and former city council candidate, is known for his passionate commentary on basketball, particularly concerning KK Zadar.

“

Unpopular opinion in the former Yugoslavia: Toni Kukoč was the most talented and best basketball player these regions have ever produced.

His statement, "Unpopular opinion in the former Yugoslavia: Toni Kukoč was the most talented and best basketball player these regions have ever produced," quickly drew a strong reaction in Serbia. The debate, reported by Mondo.rs, saw many users rally in defense of Nikola Jokić, the current NBA superstar.

“

If you think Kukoč is better and more talented than Jokić, then basketball is not the sport for you.

Commenters pointed to Jokić's multiple NBA MVP awards and his role in leading the Denver Nuggets to a championship as evidence of his superiority. Comparisons were also made to other prominent players, including Luka Dončić, and older generations of stars like Aleksandar Đorđević, Dražen Petrović, and Dejan Bodiroga, highlighting the passionate and often contentious nature of basketball debates in the region.

“

Jokić plays all positions from point guard to center, he single-handedly brought Denver a title. At the Olympic Games, it was clear how much he is worth against the Dream Team, just like in 1992, and you say Kukoč is the most talented!? Go away.