The Golden State Warriors will be without coach Steve Kerr on Monday night in Utah, as Kerr has traveled to Belgrade, Serbia, to attend the funeral services for assistant coach Dejan Milojević. Kenny Atkinson will be the acting head coach for the game against the Jazz.
Milojević, 46, died after suffering a heart attack at a team dinner in Salt Lake City on Jan. 16. The NBA postponed two Warriors’ games in the aftermath as the team grappled with the tragic news. After a nine-day break, they returned to action to an emotional scene, honoring the legacy of Milojević.
General manager Mike Dunleavy, assistant coaches Chris DeMarco and Ron Adams and former Warriors center Zaza Pachulia are also attending the service in Serbia. They are expected back for Wednesday’s home game against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Golden State’s game against Utah was already sure to be an emotionally charged night for the Warriors. It’s their first time back in Utah since Milojević's death. In the weeks since, they’ve kept a ceremonial shirt — which says “Brate,” meaning brother in Serbian — draped over his traditional seat. Kerr’s absence, considering the reasoning, will only serve as a further reminder.
This article originally appeared in The Athletic.
