In Memory of Dejan: Golden State Warriors Unite in Emotional Farewell to Assistant Coach!

Warriors’ Emotional Tribute to Dejan Milojevic: A Heartfelt Farewell to a Beloved Coach

In a poignant return to the court after the tragic passing of assistant coach Dejan Milojevic, the Golden State Warriors orchestrated a touching tribute to honor the legacy of the beloved coach. Milojevic, at the age of 46, succumbed to a heart attack during a team dinner, leaving an indelible void within the Warriors’ organization and the lives of those who knew him.

Upon their return to practice, the Warriors prepared for their first home game since Milojevic’s passing, a contest against the Atlanta Hawks at the Chase Center. The gravity of the loss was palpable as players grappled with the absence of their dear coach, who played an integral role in the fabric of the organization.

The tribute commenced with players donning jerseys bearing Milojevic’s surname, signifying their unity and shared mourning. A poignant touch was added as a ‘Brate’ shirt, translating to ‘brother’ in Serbian, was reverently placed over one of the seats, accompanied by a single rose—an emblem of remembrance and love.

Head coach Steve Kerr, visibly moved by the somber occasion, took the center stage during the tribute. Addressing the team and the audience, Kerr’s words echoed with emotion as he shared heartfelt memories of Milojevic:

“The world lost a beautiful soul last week. Deki was a wonderful friend, a hell of a basketball coach, a great man and, most importantly, a beautiful grandson, son, husband, and father. The mark that he’s left on our organization, the last three years, you just saw all the pictures, that was him every day: the smile, the joy, the laughter, it was ever present. And what he meant to us was a huge part of who we are. He’s a part of our soul.”

In a departure from the customary moment of silence, Kerr urged the audience to transform their grief into cheers, creating a collective roar in memory of Milojevic. The coach extended gratitude for the outpouring of support during what he described as a difficult week for the Warriors’ family.

As a lasting tribute to Milojevic’s impact, the Warriors unveiled a jersey patch featuring the initials “DM” enclosed within a heart—a poignant symbol of love and remembrance that will be worn for the remainder of the season. The same emblem will also grace the Warriors’ home court at the Chase Center, a lasting testament to the coach’s enduring legacy.

Milojevic, with a storied career as both player and coach, had joined the Warriors in 2021 after successful coaching stints in Montenegro and Serbia. His journey in the Eastern European ABA League, where he garnered three MVP awards, only added to the richness of his basketball legacy.

In a week marked by sorrow and loss, the Warriors’ tribute to Dejan Milojevic stood as a powerful manifestation of the bond shared within the team—a bond that transcends victories and defeats, celebrating the essence of a cherished coach and friend whose spirit will forever echo within the Warriors’ soul.