The Chase Center had a bittersweet feel to it today. On one end the Golden State Warriors were back in action after their previous two games were postponed. Then there was the saddening snap of reality, the bench was without their assistant coach -Dejan Milojevic. The Serbian passed away from a heart attack at a team dinner in Utah.

Tonight it was all about him. Honoring the way he carried himself and remembering him for who he was – a coach, a husband, a father. Milojevic was a passionate employee, someone who immersed himself in the Warriors system. When the tribute video played, several of the Warriors who were lined up near the bench began crying. His absence was large. Milojevic had connections on both sides. Bojan Bogdanovic, Hawks guard played under him at Partizan in Serbia.

Steve Kerr raises a glass to Dejan Milojević

Before the tributes, the national anthem, and the emotional reception, the Warriors coaching staff met in private. All of the members had him in their hearts. They wanted to commemorate Coach Deki in their own way. Head coach Steve Kerr revealed that had a pre-tribute of sorts to honor Milojevic.

“Tonight was just about the emotion. Just trying to get through it. I probably shouldn’t tell you this but all of the the coaches took a shot of something called Rakija which is a Serbian brandy,”

Obviously, the players couldn’t join in because they had a game against the Hawks. However, everyone was on the same page. Judging from the emotions that were displayed, and the words said, Coach Deki was a precious member of the Warriors’ staff. Milojevic was an ever-smiling dude who loved his job.

The celebration at the Chase Center was one of a kind. You could feel the energy radiating throughout the arena. Even though there was an NBA game, the night was all about the legacy of Dejan Milojević.