In a display of sportsmanship and shared grief, the head coaches of the Toronto Raptors and the Golden State Warriors came together for a heartfelt pre-game commemoration of the late Dejan Milojevic. The touching moment underscored the deep bonds within the global basketball community.
A Shared History and a Solemn Tribute
The tribute took place before a recent matchup between the two teams. Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic and Warriors coach Steve Kerr shared a long embrace at center court, setting aside competitive instincts to honor a mutual friend and influential figure. Milojevic, a revered Serbian coach and former player, tragically passed away in January 2023 after suffering a heart attack during a private team dinner with the Warriors.
Milojevic's impact was profound, particularly on the two men paying tribute. He served as an assistant coach for Kerr's Golden State Warriors, contributing to their 2022 NBA championship. His relationship with Rajakovic ran even deeper, rooted in their shared Serbian heritage and long-standing personal friendship. The pre-game ceremony was a powerful, silent acknowledgment of his legacy, witnessed by players and fans alike.
The Legacy of "The Professor"
Known affectionately as "The Professor" for his basketball intellect, Dejan Milojevic was a towering figure in European basketball before joining the NBA. As a player, he was a three-time MVP of the Adriatic League. His transition to coaching saw him become a mentor to some of Europe's biggest stars, including two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić, whom he coached in Serbia.
His move to the Warriors in 2021 was seen as a major coup, bringing his exceptional skill in developing big men to the NBA. His sudden passing sent shockwaves through the sport, with an outpouring of grief from across the basketball world. The moment between Rajakovic and Kerr serves as a continuing reminder of the personal connections that underpin the professional league.
Moving Forward with Memory
For Coach Darko Rajakovic, leading the Raptors in Toronto, the loss is both professional and deeply personal. The commemoration with Kerr is part of an ongoing process of honoring Milojevic's memory within the NBA community. Teams have observed moments of silence, and players who were mentored by him frequently speak of his influence.
This act of unity between two opposing coaches highlights how sports can transcend competition. It reinforces the idea that the NBA is a close-knit fraternity, especially when mourning the loss of one of its most respected members. The legacy of Dejan Milojevic, as a coach, mentor, and friend, continues to resonate on and off the court, as evidenced by this solemn and respectful tribute in the heart of the 2025 season.
