The NBA world is reeling from the loss of Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojevic.
Milojevic passed away on Wednesday after suffering a heart attack at a team dinner in Salt Lake City on Tuesday night.
On Wednesday evening, Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic spoke fondly of his friend and shared a heartfelt dedication to him.
According to a video shared by Hot Hand Theory, Rajakovic fought back tears as he revealed how Milojevic’s passing affected him.
“I told my guys I loved them,” Rajakovic said.
“The opening play of the game was an ATO [after timeout play] that Deki, my friend [used],” he said.
“I learned that play from him, and that’s what he brought to the NBA, that’s what he brought to Golden State. I stole that play from him,” he added.
Some things are bigger than basketball. Raptors' HC Darko Rajaković, asked about the death of Dejan Milojević, answers through tears:
"I told my guys I loved them. And the opening play of the game was an ATO that (Dejan) brought to the NBA…"
"I dedicate this team win to him." pic.twitter.com/655e8PnjsA
— Hot Hand Theory (@HotHandTheory) January 18, 2024
Milojevic was a star on the Serbian national team from 1994 until 2009 and knew Rajakovic for years.
The two grew very close because of their love of basketball and remained close during their years coaching in the NBA.
Before he became an assistant with the Warriors, Milojevic was the head coach for Mega Basket of the Adriatic Basketball Association.
Wednesday was full of emotion but Rajakovic fought through them and dedicated the game to his late friend.
After opening the game with a play designed by Milojevic, the Raptors continued to dominate throughout the next 48 minutes.
They ultimately beat the Miami Heat easily with a score of 121-97.
Using his coaching methods is a thoughtful, caring, and bittersweet way to remember the legacy and life of Milojevic.
NEXT: Klay Thompson Is A Top-5 Player In Notable Passing Category
