Dejan Milojević honored by Golden State Warriors with award in his name
The Brate Award will forever bless Warriors staff for their achievements in honor of their deceased former assistant coach.
The Golden State Warriors have let the world know they that they are creating an official annual award in the honor of deceased former assistant coach Dejan Milojević to pay homage to his legacy and acknowledge future GSW operational staff members.
Milojević, affectionately known as “Deki,” was more than just an assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors; he was a beacon of basketball excellence whose influence spanned continents. Born on April 15, 1977, in Belgrade, Serbia, Milojević carved out a distinguished playing career before transitioning into coaching. As a formidable power forward, he earned the prestigious ABA League MVP title three consecutive times from 2004 to 2006, showcasing his dominance on the court.
After hanging up his sneakers, Milojević seamlessly shifted to coaching, where he became instrumental in developing young talents. Perhaps his most notable protégé is Nikola Jokić, the Denver Nuggets’ superstar center. Under Milojević’s mentorship at Mega Basket, Jokić honed the skills that would later make him an NBA MVP, a testament to Milojević’s keen eye for talent and player development acumen.
The Warriors announced the establishment of the Dejan Milojević Brate Award, an annual honor recognizing a basketball operations staff member who embodies the spirit, dedication, and legacy of the late Dejan Milojević. In Serbian, "brate" translates to "brother,” symbolizing the… pic.twitter.com/GIAWQtigMt
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) January 17, 2025
In 2021, Milojević joined the Golden State Warriors’ coaching staff, bringing with him a wealth of international experience and a passion for the game. His tenure with the Warriors was marked by dedication and camaraderie, contributing to the team’s dynamic and success. Tragically, on January 16, 2024, while at a team dinner in Salt Lake City, Milojević suffered a heart attack. Despite prompt medical attention, he passed away the following day at the age of 46.
The news of his untimely death sent shockwaves through the basketball community. Warriors’ general manager, Mike Dunleavy Jr., attended Milojević’s funeral in Belgrade, Serbia, underscoring the deep respect and admiration held for him. Predrag Danilović, president of the Serbian Basketball Federation, poignantly remarked, “A great basketball player, great coach left us, and above all a great man, a man without a single stain.”
In the wake of his passing, the Warriors faced the daunting task of returning to the court without their beloved coach. Their first game back was laden with emotion, as the team honored Milojević’s memory and sought solace in their shared grief.
Dejan Milojević’s legacy is etched in the annals of basketball history, not just for his on-court achievements, but for the indelible mark he left on players, colleagues, and fans alike. His life serves as a reminder of the profound impact one individual can have on the sport and the people who love it.