Bogdan Bogdanovic’s Touching Tribute: Playing Through Grief for Departed Friend and Teammate Dejan Milojević
Atlanta Hawks’ Guard Showcases Resilience and Camaraderie Amidst Profound Loss
Atlanta, Georgia – February 16, 2024: In a poignant display of resilience and camaraderie, Atlanta Hawks guard Bogdan Bogdanovic took to the court on Wednesday night, February 15, 2024, amidst the profound grief of losing his close friend and fellow Serbian, Dejan Milojević, who passed away at the age of 46 due to a heart attack.
A Moment of Silence and Raw Emotions
The game against the Orlando Magic was an emotional rollercoaster for Bogdanovic, who admitted to feeling disoriented and struggling to focus during the match. Despite the turmoil within, he managed to contribute 12 points to Atlanta’s thrilling 106-104 victory, capped off by a buzzer-beating basket.
Before the game, a moment of silence was observed at State Farm Arena to honor Milojević’s memory, with Bogdanovic standing somberly alongside his teammates, his emotions etched across his face.
Grappling with the Loss
Coming off the bench in his customary sixth-man role, Bogdanovic played for just under 24 minutes, appearing lost at times as he grappled with the immense loss. The reality of Milojević’s passing was difficult for him to comprehend, leaving him feeling like he was merely going through the motions.
“Like everyone else in Serbia, we couldn’t believe the news,” Bogdanovic said, his voice heavy with grief. “Because that guy was a beast. Always positive.”
A Strong Bond Beyond Basketball
Their shared Serbian heritage forged a strong bond between Bogdanovic and Milojević, who never had the opportunity to coach Bogdanovic professionally but faced off against each other numerous times as players. Bogdanovic held Milojević in high esteem, particularly for his off-court demeanor and his unwavering dedication to family life.
“It’s such a sad thing to see how much impact he had on a lot of players, people around the world,” Bogdanovic said, his voice thick with emotion. “One thing that I will never, never forget is he never, never chased his career.”
Milojević’s Legacy: Prioritizing Personal Happiness
Milojević, a standout power forward during his playing days, garnered three consecutive MVP awards in the Adriatic League from 2004 to 2006, showcasing his exceptional talent and dominance on the court.
“He was a great player, but he never chased his career,” Bogdanovic emphasized. “He always wanted to live a family lifestyle with his kids in the good cities. He never chased money. I feel that’s a great example for everyone.”
Bogdanovic admired Milojević’s belief that personal happiness was paramount to professional success, a philosophy that resonated deeply with him.
“He believed that if you don’t like your life, there is no way you can perform in your job, you cannot maximize your job,” Bogdanovic explained. “You cannot maximize your potential if you’re not happy in your life because sometimes people value more their jobs and some other stuff.”
Shockwaves Through the Basketball Community
Milojević, who was in his third season as an assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors, had previously coached in Serbia, Montenegro, and served as an assistant coach for the Serbian national team alongside current Atlanta assistant Igor Koskoskov. His untimely passing sent shockwaves through the basketball community, leaving his colleagues and players mourning the loss of a beloved figure.
Hawks coach Quin Snyder expressed his condolences, acknowledging the profound impact of Milojević’s passing on Bogdanovic.
“It’s tragic,” Snyder said. “They were close, very close. I know how difficult it is for him right now … his sense of loss.”
Playing Through Grief: A Tribute to a Friend
Initially, Bogdanovic considered sitting out the game against the Magic to process his grief, but ultimately decided to play, believing it would be a fitting tribute to his friend’s memory.
“I was thinking about not showing up tonight, when I couldn’t sleep and I was out of my routine,” Bogdanovic revealed. “But then I was like, he would not want me to do that.”
Bogdanovic’s resilience and determination to honor Milojević’s legacy served as an inspiration to his teammates and the entire Hawks organization. His performance, albeit overshadowed by the emotional toll of the day, exemplified the indomitable spirit of the human heart and the power of sports to unite people in times of adversity.
Call to Action: Honoring Dejan Milojević’s Legacy
Dejan Milojević’s untimely passing is a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. As we honor his memory, let us strive to emulate his positive attitude, unwavering dedication to family, and belief in the power of sports to bring people together. In the face of adversity, may we find inspiration in Bogdan Bogdanovic’s resilience and determination to carry on, playing through grief with unwavering spirit.