On Wednesday, Nuggets coach Michael Malone sent a note from Steve Kerr to Nikola Jokic, extending support at a time of grief that was both communal for the global basketball community and individual for Jokic.
Loved Golden State Warriors assistant Dejan Milojevic, who coached Jokic in Serbia, passed away on Wednesday after a heart аttаck the night before during a team meal. 46 was his age. Known by his nickname “Decky,” he stayed close to Jokic despite having a significant impact on the center’s growth both before and after the Nuggets selected Jokic in the draft. Under Milojevic, Jokic won the Adriatic League MVP award in 2014–15.
From 2012 to 2020, Milojevic, who was also known as “The Serbian Charles Barkley” when he was a player, led Mega Basket. He was a member of the Warriors for his third season.
“I contacted Steve Kerr as soon as we learned he was in the hospital, and he promptly responded.” Following Denver’s off-day practice at Emerson College, Malone said, “He was at the hospital with Decky and his family.” And Steve informed me that he had died away when he finally did. Furthermore, he wаnted for me to understand the extent of Decky’s love and pride for Nikola. And I just made an effort to convey it to Nikola. This is what I recently went through with my father, Brendan Malone, the former NBA coach who passed away in October. The most crucial thing for Nikola to understand is that Decky did love him, even if losing someone you care about is really difficult.
It is now Nikola’s responsibility to continue his legacy. How he lives, both on and off the court, and how to keep Decky’s nаme in the public eye.
The NBA postponed Golden State’s games this week against the Utah Jazz and Dallas Mavericks. Malone restated the Nuggets’ statement from Wednesday, which said that the team’s condolences are sent to Milojevic’s family, the Warriors players, and the coaches.
Jokic did not talk with the media, but he did attend the Nuggets’ practice before their Friday night (5:30 p.m. MT, ESPN) game against the top team in the NBA, the Celtics.
According to Malone, “He meant a lot to a lot of people.” “Leaved a wonderful legacy behind. He had an effect on people. And to have it at that early age is simply sad.
Denver trying to snap intimidating streak
On March 18, 2019, when the Nuggets defeated Boston 114-105, Malone punched his ticket to the playoffs for the first time as head coach of the team. It was one of the most memorable days of his nine-year stay in Denver.Malone reflected on Thursday, saying, “The celebration and excitement we had, and then more importantly, the after-party.” The after-party is always the main focus.Coincidentally, the Nuggets’ most recent victory at TD Garden occurred during that period.Five years later, they’re attempting to end one of the NBA’s most terrifying current runs, as the Celtics are 20-0 at home this year. They will have played almost half of their scheduled home games by the time of Friday’s meeting.Following Tuesday’s 126-121 defeat to the 76ers, Denver concentrated on stopping Boston’s high volume (first in attempts, first in makes) and high efficiency (sixth in percentage) 3-point shooting in the interim. The Nuggets are typically strong at restricting 3-point shots, but Malone said that Philadelphia was able to shoot over 40% outside the arc due to a lack of discipline in both game preparation and execution.But there’s a rιsk the Celtics won’t have enough players. In their victory against the Spurs on Wednesday, they were without starting point guard Derrick White (left ankle sprain) and big Kristaps Porzingis (right knee inflammation).Malone said, “They just play the game the right way, and they have so much talent.” Therefore, we will get a fantastic chance to play against one of the league’s top clubs.