A heartbreaking and emotionally charged moment came across the NBA when Toronto Raptors‘ head coach, Darko Rajakovic, orchestrated a heartfelt homage during their recent game against the Miami Heat.
Rajakovic paid tribute to this dear friend, the late Warriors assistant coach, Dejan Milojevic, by running a game-play that held significance especially after scoring on it. This painful news also lead to the Warriors-Jazz’s game to be postponed as it left the coaching staff and the players crumbling with emotions.
Darko Rajakovic ran special routine from Dejan Milojevic’s playbook
In the matchup between the Miami Heat and the Toronto Raptors, the Raptors’ head coach ran the opening play of the game with a strategically executed ATO that was designed by Dejan Milojevic from his playbook.
The execution of this play marked a powerful connection between the two Serbian coaches. In a press conference, Rajakovic expressed his love for the team and dedicated the 121-97 victory over the Miami Heat to Milojevic, embodying the true spirit of the “Win the Day” tradition.
The coach’s emotions were clear as he recounted the special message he shared with his team right before the game, emphasizing upon love and unity for the team.
The opening play, carefully chosen from Milojevic’s collection, underscored the profound impact that the late assistant coach had on Rajakovic’s coaching style. The Raptors’ victory, with a score on that specific play, became a passionate tribute to Milojevic’s legacy.
Dejan Milojevic’s passing leaves Warriors players crumbling with emotions
The entire NBA community are dealing with a heavy heart as it mourns for the untimely passing of Golden State Warriors’ assistant coach, Dejan Milojevic. Details with regards to how the Warriors organization, his coaching family, and his players cope up with the loss is as follows:
Kevon Looney, the center player for the Warriors, is notably affected by this unfortunate incident, conveying a close bond that he once shared with Milojevic, who exclusively worked with frontcourt players under coach Steve Kerr.
The Warriors’ head coach, Steve Kerr, also expressed profound grief over the team’s loss. He emphasized Milojevic’s impactful, positive, and uplifting nature for the team and his surroundings, describing him as one of the most positive and beautiful human beings he has ever known.
“In addition to being a terrific basketball coach, Dejan was one of the most positive and beautiful human beings I have ever known, someone who brought joy and light to every single day with his passion and energy,” said Kerr.
The bitter news of Milojevic’s sudden and severe health issue unfolded during a team dinner at a popular Italian restaurant, Valter’s Osteria, in Salt Lake City, where Milojevic was rushed to the hospital due to a medical emergency that prompted the NBA to postpone the Warriors’ game against the Utah Jazz.
How long do you think that it’ll take for the Golden State Warriors to find a new assistant coach to fill in the position of late Dejan Milojevic? Let us know in the comments down below.
