THEY DRINK RAKIJA FOR DEKI: Rajaković and Steve Kerr reveal their small ritual in honor of Milojević! (VIDEO)

Darko Rajaković and Steve Kerr are paying tribute to the late Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojević, revealing a tradition shared by the coaching staffs of both teams.

Nearly two years have passed since the death of Serbian Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojević, who passed away from a heart attack at the age of 46. Although he is no longer physically present, his coaching spirit has remained strongly present on NBA courts.

As if he had sent one of his innovative basketball ideas from above, the Toronto Raptors ran an after-timeout play (ATO) against the Miami Heat directly from the Serbian coach’s notebook. Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković, Milojević’s compatriot and close friend, decided to open the game with a play that ended with a three-pointer by Gary Trent Jr., much to Darko’s delight.

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

“I dedicate this team victory to him”

Some things are bigger than basketball. Asked about the death of Dejan Milojević, Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković responded through tears:

“I told my guys that I love them. And the first play of the game was an ATO that Dejan brought to the NBA… I dedicate this team victory to him.”

That act of remembrance was destined to have a happy ending. Nearly two years after Milojević’s death, Rajaković continues to honor his beloved friend through subtle and elegant reminders. The Raptors coach appeared at a pregame press conference against the Warriors wearing a black T-shirt with the white word “brate.” The black color, symbolizing mourning, stood alongside the word that describes what Milojević meant and still means to Darko.

The shirt also featured a “DM” emblem, a logo the Warriors began wearing that season in honor of the Balkan coach, whose son now works in Golden State in video coordination and player development roles.

The entire Warriors coaching staff wore the mentioned shirt. It has become a nice habit in games when the two teams meet, as Rajaković explained.

– Every time we play against Golden State, it’s a good reminder for all of us to remember our dear friend and colleague, Dejan Milojević, who was an assistant coach with Golden State and who sadly passed away two years ago. We really miss him. And every time we play against Golden State, now we have our tradition – Rajaković said before the game.

But there is also a celebration shared by both coaching staffs, something like the famous third half in rugby, but applied to basketball.

– After the game, I bring rakija, and after the game we gather with their coaching staff. Now our coaching staff and we get together and, you know, have a shot of rakija in his name. We really miss him – Rajaković said, revealing that a special celebration with the traditional Serbian drink would follow.

One of Rajaković’s assistant coaches, Ivo Simović, is also Serbian. The Raptors coach also reflected on the role of Milojević’s son in Golden State.

– That’s incredible. They’re giving him an opportunity to be part of the organization and helping his family. That says a lot about Steve Kerr and the organization – Rajaković said.

🏀🥂 Steve Kerr, about the Warriors and Raptors coaching staffs going for some Serbian drink Rakia shots after the game in memory of Dejan Milojevic pic.twitter.com/fjQ90ADpY4
— Toni Canyameras (@Canyameridis71) December 29, 2025

Steve Kerr on Milojević

However, Nikola Milojević was unable to travel to Toronto. Kerr also spoke about this tradition.

– We’re a very small fraternity in the NBA, so all the coaches know each other, and there are different things that connect all of us. Now every year, in both games, we have a shot of rakija, which is Serbian brandy, after the game to toast Deki – Kerr said, addressing Milojević by his nickname.

The rakija tasted even better for Rajaković and his coaching staff after the Raptors won, led by a spectacular triple-double from Scottie Barnes with 23 points, 25 rebounds, and 10 assists, which overshadowed Steph’s 39-point performance.