The basketball world mourned the sudden passing of Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojevic, who suffered a heart attack during a private dinner on Tuesday. As teams resumed their regular schedules, Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic found a heartfelt way to pay tribute to his friend Dejan, known as “Deki.”
In an emotional postgame press conference after the Raptors secured a win over the Miami Heat, Rajakovic revealed that he incorporated one of Milojevic’s signature after timeout (ATO) plays into their game. Rajakovic and Milojevic had known each other since their teenage years in Serbia’s basketball community.
Toronto’s Touching Dedication:
“The opening play of the game was an ATO that Deki, my friend, I learned that play from him. That’s what he brought to the NBA. That’s what he brought to Golden State. I stole that play from him. That was our opening play tonight, and we were able to score on that one,” Rajakovic shared, holding back tears.
During the opening play, Scottie Barnes initiated the offense, with Gary Trent Jr. maneuvering across the baseline. RJ Barrett and Jontay Porter made crucial moves toward the basket, creating an opportunity for Trent on the right wing. He received the pass from Porter and successfully made a three-point shot, setting the tone for the game.
The ATO Play
It’s unclear if Rajakovic was referring to the opening play of the game or the team’s first ATO play, but in both instances, Toronto scored. The dedication showcased the deep bond between Rajakovic and Milojevic. It highlights the impact Milojevic had on international basketball and the NBA.
As the basketball community continues to mourn the loss of Dejan Milojevic, these heartfelt tributes serve as a reminder of his lasting influence on the sport. The people who had the privilege of working with him.
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