Jokić’s touching tribute: MVP honors Coach Deki with heartfelt gesture

Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokić cemented his place among basketball royalty on Wednesday, securing his third NBA MVP title for the 2023-24 season. But beyond the official recognition, Jokić’s post-win gesture offered a glimpse into the man behind the MVP trophy.

As Jokić faced the media after the announcement, a simple yet powerful detail caught everyone’s eye: a “Brate” shirt. This Serbian word for “brother” served as a poignant tribute to Jokić’s former coach, Dejan Milojevic, a Golden State Warriors assistant coach who tragically passed away from a heart attack in January.

"It's a journey, it's a process, it's trusting in your teammates, your teammates trusting in you. It's a whole collective effort that put me in the bright spotlight."

Nikola Jokic on the collective effort behind winning his third #KiaMVP 💯 pic.twitter.com/xFRbIPwahz

— NBA (@NBA) May 9, 2024

The connection runs deep. Milojevic wasn’t just a colleague; he was Jokić’s head coach at Mega Basket, a Serbian club that served as a launching pad for Jokić’s illustrious career. Following Milojevic’s sudden passing at 46, the Warriors, in a touching display of solidarity, created “Brate” T-shirts that became a familiar sight during pregame warm-ups across the NBA.

For Jokić, the shirt transcended mere words. It embodied the deep bond he shared with his coach. “I don’t want to make a show of it,” Jokić had said then, his voice thick with emotion, according to The Denver Post. “This is a shock for my entire family. I love his family. I love him.”

Jokić’s MVP win wasn’t just a personal triumph; it was a testament to the impact coaches like Milojevic have on their players. The “Brate” shirt served as a powerful reminder of the unseen forces that shape champions, a silent dedication to the coach who helped mold Jokić into the superstar he is today.