In January 2022, the Golden State Warriors suffered a devastating loss when assistant coach Dejan Milojevic passed away from a heart attack. Known as 'Deki' to his friends and colleagues, Milojevic was a beloved mentor and coach, having made a significant impact on players such as Kevon Looney and Dario Saric. His passing left a deep void within the team and the basketball world at large.
Under Milojevic's guidance, Looney experienced the best rebounding seasons of his career. Despite averaging only four rebounds per game in his first six years in the league, Looney's numbers soared to 7.3 rebounds during the 2021-22 season, culminating in the Warriors' NBA championship victory. Last season, he averaged a career-high 9.3 rebounds. Milojevic's coaching had instilled in Looney a different mentality—one of striving for greatness and refusing to settle for mediocrity.
Saric, who had known Milojevic for a long time, joined the Warriors as a free agent in part to continue developing under his guidance. The two had been former MVPs in the Adriatic League, and Milojevic's mentorship was a significant factor in Saric's decision. Their bond grew as they worked out together during practices and warmed up for games. Saric describes Milojevic as a coach who understood the players' minds and knew when and what to say to motivate them.
The heartbreaking loss of Milojevic has affected the Warriors deeply. The team, including head coach Steve Kerr and several assistants and front office personnel, attended Milojevic's memorial service in Serbia, forcing Kerr to miss a game. The support and outreach from the basketball community were overwhelming, demonstrating the impact Milojevic had on those he worked with.
The Warriors returned to basketball, but the absence of Milojevic is felt every day. Looney and Saric have been determined to carry on Milojevic's teachings and practices. They have reminded the other assistants of his most important lessons: being straightforward, holding one another accountable, and not accepting anything less than excellence. While the pain of his loss still lingers, Looney felt it was necessary to move away from the 'big man hoop,' a symbolically significant act to acknowledge the void left by Milojevic's absence.
The events leading up to Milojevic's passing were tragic. The night before the Warriors' game against the Utah Jazz, the team had gathered for dinner when Milojevic suffered a heart attack. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Milojevic tragically passed away the next day. The game against the Jazz was postponed, and the following game against the Dallas Mavericks was also rescheduled. The team came together at their practice facility, where they met with Milojevic's family, honoring his memory and the impact he had on their lives.
Returning to the court was challenging for the Warriors, who had to navigate their grief while maintaining their focus on the game. Players from both teams stood united in matching shirts that read 'Brate,' a Serbian term for 'brother,' during their first game back. The Serbian national anthem played, and a tribute video was shown to honor Milojevic. His vacant chair was adorned with special jerseys, paying homage to his presence and influence.
The Warriors are gradually finding their rhythm on the court, but there are moments when the reality of Milojevic's absence hits them. Kerr and several members of the coaching staff traveled to Serbia to attend Milojevic's memorial service, leaving assistant coach Kenny Atkinson as the acting coach for the upcoming game in Utah. Kerr acknowledges that the trip will be emotionally challenging and will make the loss feel even more tangible.
Saric, who considers Milojevic the best mentor he has ever had, still feels the weight of his absence. The loss extends beyond the basketball court; it represents the void left by a dear friend and someone who understood him at a profound level. The team staying at the same hotel in Salt Lake City, despite their efforts to change accommodations, serves as a reminder of the roller coaster of emotions they experienced during the previous trip.
As they prepare for the game in Utah, the Warriors are aware that it will be unlike any they have faced before. The emotions will be raw, and the absence of Milojevic will be deeply felt. They are determined to honor his memory by continuing the lessons and practices he instilled in them. Looney emphasizes the importance of being intentional about bonding as a team, remembering and carrying forward Milojevic's teachings, and keeping his name and legacy alive.
The Warriors' journey to heal and move forward continues, albeit with heavy hearts. They will never forget the impact Dejan Milojevic had on their lives, and his absence will always be deeply felt. But the lessons he taught them and the memories they shared will continue to inspire and motivate them both on and off the court.
