The Golden State Warriors paid tribute to their late assistant, Dejan Milojevic, before Wednesday's contest against the Atlanta Hawks.
Milojevic died last week at 46 after suffering a heart attack at a team dinner in Utah. He was in his third season with the Warriors, helping them win a championship in 2022.
Head coach Steve Kerr spoke pregame in front of the two teams, asking for the crowd to give Milojevic a standing ovation rather than a moment of silence.
"(Deki) is a part of our soul." pic.twitter.com/u3Og4TwoV5
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) January 25, 2024
The Warriors also dedicated Wednesday's contest to his memory, with players placing jerseys with his surname on top of his usual seat on the team's bench. General manager Mike Dunleavy presented Milojevic's family with a bouquet.
The Warriors paid tribute to late assistant coach Dejan Milojevic ❤️ pic.twitter.com/7pDfq4M4DF
— ESPN (@espn) January 25, 2024
Golden State also played an extended tribute video.
Forever our brother, Deki 💙 pic.twitter.com/Z7pU0hGeFz
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) January 25, 2024
Warriors veterans Klay Thompson and Draymond Green were visibly emotional during the presentation.
Klay and Draymond were emotional during Deki's tribute 💔 pic.twitter.com/W2XDZwFdjD
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) January 25, 2024
The Warriors had their last two games against the Utah Jazz and Dallas Mavericks postponed.
Golden State will wear a "DM" patch on its jerseys for the remainder of the season and have the logo on the apron of its home court.
