The international NBA community was hit hard by his passing

The “Win the Day” chain is the highest honor for the Toronto Raptors, and yesterday coach Darko Rajakovicearned it by honoring a legend

The Serbian coach ran the opening play of the gameout of the playbook of recently passed Warriors assistant Dejan Milojevic, and dedicated Toronto’s 121-97 win over Miamito him as well.

Darko and the man he called “Deki” shared a national heritage and a bond that spanned decades. Rajakovic said in an emotional press conference that the ATO play to start the game was one that Milojevic brought to the Warriors. The Raptors scored on the play in an emotional moment.

“There’s obviously a loss in the NBA, right? And I think that that gives us perspective and allows us to realize what’s really important in the world,” said Raptors assistant coach Jama Mahlalela, as he presented the “Win the Day” chain to Rajakovic after the win.

The chain was the head coach’s idea, given out each game to the person who most embodies the team’s culture. It is usually a player, but can also be a member of the coaching staff.

To me what I was moved most by today was the care the love the compassion of our head coach,” Mahlalela continued. “Coach, the chain goes to you today.”

The international circle within the NBA was affected greatly by Deki’s passing, indicated by tributes yesterday from Slovenian star Luka Doncic, fellow Serbs Nikola Jokic and Boban Marjanovicand others.