The Golden State Warriors, led by head coach Steve Kerr, paid a heartfelt tribute to their late assistant coach, Dejan Milojevic, within the group’s first sport since his tragic passing.
Milojevic, a key determine within the Warriors’ teaching employees, handed away abruptly final week following a coronary heart assault throughout a group dinner in Salt Lake Metropolis.
Milojevic’s spouse and youngsters had been current for ceremony
Returning to the courtroom in opposition to the Atlanta Hawks, each groups donned black shirts with the phrase “Brate,”Serbian for brother, honoring Milojevic’s reminiscence.
The shirts additionally featured a “DM” badge, symbolizing the enduring impression Milojevic can have on the group all through the season.
With Milojevic’s spouse and youngsters in attendance, the Warriors introduced a touching video highlighting his contributions, that includes testimonials from Steve Kerr, Kevon Looney, and Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic.
A visibly moved crowd applauded Kerr’s emotional tribute, recognizing Milojevic as not only a coach however a beloved pal and household man.
“Slightly than a second of silence, I might like for all of us to provide Deki an ovation that he can hear up in heaven,” Kerr stated.
The world misplaced a phenomenal soul final week. Deki was a beautiful pal, a hell of a basketball coach, an excellent man and most significantly a phenomenal grandson, son, husband and father,’ Kerr continued.
‘… The smile, the enjoyment, the laughter – it was ever current. And what he meant to us was an enormous a part of who we’re – he is part of our soul,” the top coach remarked.
Throughout the ceremony, Milojevic’s seat on the bench remained empty, adorned with a “Brate” shirt and a white rose.
Kerr urged followers to have fun Milojevic’s life with an ovation, emphasizing the enjoyment and positivity he dropped at the group.
Warriors’ emotional tribute to Milojevic
The courtroom at Chase Middle featured the initials “DM” inside a coronary heart, and gamers will put on “DM” patches for the rest of the NBA season.
A photograph of Milojevic with the message “FOREVER OUR BROTHER” was displayed on the jumbotron, creating an enduring tribute to the coach’s infectious smile and spirit.
The heartfelt gestures prolonged past the Warriors’ dwelling courtroom, as fellow NBA gamers, together with Boban Marjanovic, Luka Doncic, and the San Antonio Spurs, joined in honoring Milojevic with “BRATE” shirts and pregame acknowledgments.
Dejan Milojevic, aged 46, was a vital a part of the teaching employees that contributed to the Warriors’ 2022 NBA championship triumph.
