“Warriors Honor Assistant Dejan Milojevic in Emotional Pregame Ceremony”

Warriors Honor Assistant Dejan Milojevic in Emotional Pregame Ceremony

In a heartfelt and emotional pregame ceremony, the Golden State Warriors paid tribute to their late assistant coach, Dejan Milojevic. The team, led by head coach Steve Kerr, returned to the court after a nine-day break following Milojevic’s tragic passing at the age of 46. The loss of their beloved coach left the team in a state of shock and grief, but they found solace in the game that they loved.

Coach Kerr acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, stating, “It was not easy, but I thought our guys did a good job of trying to make that transition and settle into the game.” He encouraged his players to immerse themselves in the game as a way to cope with their sorrow. And that’s exactly what they did.

Before the game, both the Warriors and the Atlanta Hawks stood side by side on the court, wearing matching shirts that read “Brate,” which means “brother” in Serbian. The shirts also featured a heart with the initials “DM” inside, representing Milojevic. This logo will be worn on the Warriors’ jerseys for the remainder of the season as a tribute to their fallen coach.

On the back of the shirts, Milojevic’s nickname, “Deki,” was displayed. The significance of this nickname was evident as players and coaches reminisced about their time with him. Dario Saric, a fellow Yugoslavian native who was recruited by Milojevic, described him as an older brother figure. “He was the kind of person who could put it positively, ‘Dario, you are stupid.’ But I knew he would say that because he wanted me to do better,” Saric shared.

The pregame ceremony included a heartfelt speech from Coach Kerr, who addressed the fans at Chase Center. Rather than observing a moment of silence, he asked everyone to join him in honoring Milojevic with a standing ovation. The applause lasted for about a minute and was followed by the Serbian national anthem, paying homage to Milojevic’s heritage.

As the game began, Warriors players removed their tribute jerseys and placed them on the seat that Milojevic used to occupy during his time with the team. Each player took a moment to reflect on their memories with their late coach before taking the court. The emotional scene was made even more poignant by the presence of Milojevic’s wife, Natasha, and their two children, Nikola and Masa, who sat a few rows behind the team’s management.

The impact of Milojevic’s loss was evident throughout the game, with players shedding tears and embracing one another before the tip-off. However, as the game progressed, the Warriors found solace in the sport they loved. They followed Kerr’s advice and got lost in the game, knowing that it was what Milojevic would have wanted.

The Warriors’ 134-112 victory over the Atlanta Hawks served as a testament to their resilience and unity in the face of adversity. While there is still a void within the team, they continue to honor Milojevic’s memory every day. Klay Thompson, one of the team’s star players, expressed his deep sadness for Milojevic’s family, stating, “We miss him every day.”

The pregame ceremony was a powerful reminder of the impact that coaches have on their players’ lives. Milojevic’s presence will forever be felt within the Warriors organization, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of athletes. As the team moves forward, they will carry his memory in their hearts and strive to make him proud.