Golden State Warriors

D'Angelo Russell's impromptu Lionel Messi impression just set him back a wad of dough -- the Lakers guard was just fined $15k for punting the rock into the stands after Saturday's double-overtime win over the Warriors.

The NBA just handed down the punishment on Monday ... with the league's executive VP Joe Dumars announcing the costly penalty.

The moment happened after the final buzzer of the second extra period ... when Stephen Curry heaved the ball three-quarters of the court in a last-ditch effort to win the game.

As the ball made its way back down to earth, Russell ran onto the hardwood to celebrate the 145-144 win ... kicking the rock into the first few rows of the arena in the process.

While it seemed like the 27-year-old was just trying to have some fun, the league decided it was a finable offense nonetheless.

The Golden State Warriors honored late assistant coach Dejan Milojević with a beautiful tribute on Wednesday ... and the ceremony had the entire arena emotional -- including Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson.

The team returned to compete against the Atlanta Hawks at the Chase Center ... their first game since Deki's tragic death last week.

The beloved former European pro received a proper sendoff before tipoff ... with a video tribute, speech from Steve Kerr, jerseys featuring coach's last name, and t-shirts branding the word "brate," which means "brother" in Russian.

Milojević's wife and children were also present ... with cameras showing them during the special moment.

Curry and Thompson embraced each other as well ... and the latter was visibly crying while sitting on the bench.

The team also set up a display on the sidelines ... putting a shirt and a flower at Deki's seat.

As we previously reported, Deki suffered a medical emergency during a team dinner in Salt Lake City last week. The team stated he had a heart attack and passed away a day later.

Draymond Green won't be going for gold with Team USA at the Paris Olympics ... and his recent suspensions played a factor in the decision -- this according to Grant Hill, who says the Golden State Warriors star needs to focus on himself this summer.

41 pros were announced as potential candidates to suit up for the Red, White and Blue at that 2024 Games on Tuesday ... and only 12 of those guys will make the final cut.

Surprisingly, Green -- a two-time gold medalist and one of the best forwards in the NBA right now -- wasn't listed ... and Hill, who became Team USA basketball's managing director in 2021, explained why that's the case.

"We all understand and certainly have great respect and sensitivity to this particular period in his career and he’s working through some things both on and off the court," the former NBA star said on Wednesday.

"We at USA Basketball, we want to support him on his journey. We just didn’t feel that playing over the summer gives him the best opportunity to do what he needs to do."

Green is fresh off an indefinite suspension (12 games) after smacking Suns center Jusuf Nurkić in the face during a game in December.

Just one month prior, Green was suspended five games for putting Timberwolves star Rudy Gobert in a headlock while trying to defend his teammate Klay Thompson.

Green is no stranger to controversy ... but the 33-year-old said ahead of his return he will try to remove the "antics" out of his game.

"It's not on changing who I am completely," Green told the media earlier this month.

"You don't change the spots on a leopard. It's just not gonna happen and I'm not going to try to set some unrealistic expectation of like who is this person going to be. It's not real and that's not sustainable."

The Golden State Warriors will wear all-black T-shirts this week to pay tribute to Dejan Milojević in the wake of the assistant coach's tragic passing.

Steve Kerr debuted the tee at a press conference on Monday afternoon ... and you can see it features Milojević's initials inside of a heart as well as the word "BRATE" -- which means "brother" in Serbian.

Kerr said his team has been devastated and heartbroken since Milojević suffered a fatal medical emergency on Jan. 16 while at a team dinner in Salt Lake City ... telling reporters this past week has been "hard to describe."

"It's just the saddest thing I have been a part of in the NBA where we lose someone who's so close to us and then, more importantly, seeing his family suffer," Kerr said.

Kerr, however, praised Milojević's former Serbian teams, Mega and Partizan, for honoring Dejan during their game Monday.

"Deky's two teams were playing against each other," Kerr said. "I'm not sure I've ever seen anything like the pre-game dedication from the fans and organizations there to Deky."

"It was incredible."

Milojević joined Kerr's staff in 2021 ... and following his passing, the NBA postponed the Warriors' games against the Jazz and the Mavericks.

Warriors coach Dejan Milojević's tragic death has resulted in heartbreak throughout the NBA ... including Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic, who gave a touching tribute to his friend in Wednesday's postgame press conference.

The Serbian coach was visibly emotional when asked about the shocking news following the Raptors' 121-97 win over the Miami Heat ... a victory he dedicated to Dejan.

Rajakovic -- who became the Raptors HC last June -- explained he addressed the team prior to tipoff ... and shared a special message from the heart.

"I told my guys that I love them," the 44-year-old coach said, fighting back tears.

Rajakovic -- who had been close with Dejan for years -- revealed the opening play of the game had been designed by the late coach ... something he did on purpose.

"Opening play in the game was [an] ATO that Decky, my friend, I learned that play from him," Rajakovic said.

"That's what he brought to [the] NBA, that's what he brought to Golden State. I stole that play from him and that was our opening play tonight and we were able to score on that one."

Several NBA players and coaches also paid tribute to Milojević since his unexpected death ... including Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic and Boban Marjanovic, who is also from Serbia.

"You inspired me to be the best version of myself every day and your influence has changed my life," the Houston Rockets center said.

"Thank you for helping me accomplish my dreams! You’re one of the best coaches I was blessed to play for. I pray for your family and friends during this time as we will miss you greatly. God received an angel today. Forever in our hearts. 🙏"

The Warriors' home matchup against the Mavericks slated for Friday has been postponed ... with the NBA making the decision to move the game following Golden State assistant coach Dejan Milojević's tragic death.

The Association made the announcement just minutes ago ... saying the contest will be made up at a later date, and the Brooklyn Nets vs. Los Angeles Lakers game will air on ESPN instead.

The move is understandable -- the entire organization is grieving over the loss of Milojević ... with Golden State head coach Steve Kerr saying Wednesday it was "a shocking and tragic blow for everyone associated with the Warriors and an incredibly difficult time for his family, friends, and all of us who had the incredible pleasure to work with him."

As we previously reported, the team stated 46-year-old Milojević -- a former pro in Europe -- suffered a heart attack during dinner in Salt Lake City on Tuesday ... and he tragically passed away Wednesday morning.

The league also postponed the Warriors' game against the Utah Jazz, which was scheduled for Wednesday.

1:17 PM -- NBA commissioner Adam Silver just addressed the tragedy ... saying, "The NBA mourns the sudden passing of Golden State assistant coach Dejan Milojević, a beloved colleague and dear friend to so many in the global basketball community."

"In addition to winning the 2022 NBA Championship in his first season with the Warriors and mentoring some of the best players in the world, Dejan had a decorated international playing career and was a distinguished head coach in his native Serbia."

"Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Natasa, their children, Nikola and Masa, and the Warriors organization during this tragic time."

Golden State Warriors assistant coach and former professional basketball player Dejan Milojević has passed away. He was just 46 years old.

Milojević suffered a heart attack during dinner at a Salt Lake City restaurant on Tuesday ... and despite life-saving efforts, he tragically passed late Wednesday afternoon, the team revealed in a statement.

The Warriors were in Utah to face off against the Jazz -- a game that was slated to go down Wednesday night, but has since been postponed.

The Serbian power forward went unpicked in the 1999 NBA Draft, but he had a stellar career in Europe nonetheless -- winning ABA League MVP honors three straight times.

He also won the ABA scoring title in consecutive seasons.

Milojević's playing career ended in 2009 ... and he found success leading the bench for organizations in Serbia and Montenegro before joining the Warriors in 2021. He coached several future NBA players -- most notably two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic.

He also spent time as an assistant coach for the Serbian national team.

On the Golden State staff, Milojević focused on helping the big men on the roster ... and won a championship when the Warriors beat the Boston Celtics in the 2022 NBA Finals.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr released a statement on Milojević's passing ... saying the entire organization is "devastated."

"This is a shocking and tragic blow for everyone associated with the Warriors and an incredibly difficult time for his family, friends, and all of us who had the incredible pleasure to work with him," Kerr said.

"In addition to being a terrific basketball coach, Dejan was one of the most positive and beautiful human beings I have ever known, someone who brought joy and light to every single day with his passion and energy."

1:17 PM -- El comisionado de la NBA, Adam Silver, acaba de abordar la tragedia diciendo: "La NBA lamenta el repentino fallecimiento del entrenador asistente de Golden State, Dejan Milojević, un querido colega y querido amigo de tantos en la comunidad mundial del baloncesto".

"Además de ganar el Campeonato de la NBA 2022 en su primera temporada con los Warriors y ser mentor de algunos de los mejores jugadores del mundo, Dejan tuvo una carrera internacional como jugador condecorado y fue un distinguido entrenador en jefe en su Serbia natal".

"Nuestras más sinceras condolencias a su esposa, Natasa, a sus hijos, Nikola y Masa, y a la organización de los Warriors durante este trágico momento".

El entrenador asistente de los Golden State Warriors y exjugador profesional de baloncesto Dejan Milojević ha fallecido. Tenía tan solo 46 años de edad.

Milojević sufrió un ataque al corazón durante la cena en un restaurante de Salt Lake City el martes, y a pesar de los esfuerzos por salvarle la vida, falleció trágicamente a última hora de la tarde del miércoles, según reveló el equipo en un comunicado.

Los Warriors estaban en Utah para enfrentarse a los Jazz en un juego que estaba programado para la noche del miércoles, pero desde entonces ha sido pospuesto.

El ala-pívot serbio no fue elegido en el Draft de la NBA de 1999, pero tuvo una carrera estelar en Europa, ganando tres veces consecutivas el MVP de la Liga ABA.

También ganó el título de anotador de la ABA en temporadas consecutivas.

La carrera como jugador de Milojević terminó en 2009 y encontró el éxito dirigiendo el banquillo de organizaciones en Serbia y Montenegro antes de unirse a los Warriors en 2021. Entrenó a varios futuros jugadores de la NBA, más notablemente al dos veces MVP de la NBA Nikola Jokic.

También pasó un tiempo como entrenador asistente de la selección nacional de Serbia.

Milojević se centró en ayudar a los hombres grandes en el Golden Gate Staff... y ganó un campeonato cuando los Warriors vencieron a los Boston Celtics en las Finales de la NBA de 2022.

El entrenador en jefe de los Warriors, Steve Kerr, emitió un comunicado sobre el fallecimiento de Milojević, diciendo que toda la organización está "devastada".

"Este es un golpe impactante y trágico para todos los asociados a los Warriors y es un momento increíblemente difícil para su familia, amigos y todos los que tuvimos el increíble placer de trabajar con él", dijo Kerr.

"Además de ser un magnífico entrenador de baloncesto, Dejan era uno de los seres humanos más positivos y hermosos que he conocido, alguien que aportaba alegría y cada día con su pasión y energía".

9:03 AM -- The NBA just announced Wednesday night's Warriors vs. Jazz has been postponed in wake of Dejan Milojević's medical emergency.

A makeup date has not yet been announced.

Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojević was reportedly hospitalized Tuesday night after he suffered a serious medical emergency while out at a restaurant in Utah.

The incident, according to ESPN, happened while Milojević and other Golden State players and coaches were dining out in Salt Lake City ... some 24 hours before their Wednesday night game against the Jazz.

Further details surrounding the 46-year-old's status were not made immediately available.

Milojević became a part of Steve Kerr's staff in 2021 ... after he built up an impressive coaching resume overseas. He played pro ball Serbia, Turkey, Spain and Montenegro ... and was a star on the Serbian national team.

3:28 PM -- Grizzlies fans made their feelings toward Draymond known as he made his way to the court ... letting the boo birds fly as he checked into the game with just over 6 minutes left in the first quarter.

The jeers didn't seem to faze Green one bit ... as he nailed a three-pointer shortly after entering the game.

Draymond Green is officially back -- the Golden State Warriors star is expected to play against the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday ... his first game following his indefinite suspension.

The Dubs announced the four-time champion was listed as "active" for the road matchup just minutes ago ... sharing the news with a clip of Green dunking during pregame warmups.

Green will come off the bench for Golden State ... and the squad is undoubtedly hoping he provides a spark, as they're currently 18-21 and sit toward the bottom of the Western Conference.

Dubs head coach Steve Kerr pointed out Green hasn't played in a while ... which may result in limited minutes in his first game back.

"It will mostly be based on how he's feeling and how that unit is doing while he's out there," he told reporters before the game. "We'll just see how it goes."

Of course, Green hasn't played since his punishment for hitting Phoenix Suns player Jusuf Nurkic on Dec. 12 ... and during his time away from the hardwood, he sought counseling and focused on his life away from basketball.

Green previously revealed he contemplated walking away from his pro career during his suspension ... but commissioner Adam Silver talked him out of it.

John Salley vehemently disagrees with the NBA's decision to hit Draymond Green with an indefinite ban this month ... telling TMZ Sports the suspension was a complete overreaction.

The four-time NBA champion said this week he's in favor of sidelining Green for smacking Jusuf Nurkic during the Warriors vs. Suns game on Dec. 12 ... but he thinks the indefinite part of the punishment is simply taking things too far.

"You can have a conversation, give him a certain amount of games for him to simmer down and have intelligent conversations with him," Salley said of Green. "But to get rid of him indefinitely, I think that is a bigger thing."

Salley told us he loves Draymond's playing style -- which makes sense ... considering the 6-foot-11 former center was a part of the '80s/'90s "Bad Boys" Pistons squads -- and he clearly believes Green hasn't done much wrong to warrant the latest suspension.

"I would take Draymond Green every day and twice on Sunday," he said.

In fact, Salley told us the guy would've been a perfect fit on his old Detroit teams.

"I hope Draymond comes back and I love his play," Salley said. "And I know he wears a Bad Boy T-shirt under his uniform."

Draymond Green will reportedly miss at least the next nine-or-so Warriors games ... this after beginning counseling following his second suspension of the 2023-24 NBA season.

The Golden State star has been barred from the hardwood since Dec. 13, after he hit Jusuf Nurkic in the head in a heated moment during the Dubs' Dec. 12 game against Phoenix -- and according to The Athletic's Shams Charania, the ban will now go through at least the early part of January.

Charania reported Monday morning Green has begun getting professional help while sidelined ... adding that the 33-year-old forward "has been understanding and prepared to undergo the process required to return to the team in a full capacity."

Green has yet to issue a public statement on the suspension ... though his head coach, Steve Kerr, said last week the ban "makes sense."

"The one who choked Rudy [Gobert], the one who took a wild flail at Jusuf [Nurkic], the one who punched Jordan [Poole] last year -- that's the guy who has to change," Kerr said.

"You look at the past year and what's happened," the coach continued, "it's clear he needs the opportunity to change."

Steve Kerr apparently sees no issues with the NBA's choice to hit Draymond Green with an indefinite ban this week ... saying Thursday his star player's recent behavior just needs to change.

The Warriors head coach opened up on the suspension that Adam Silver levied on his star player earlier this week -- and he made it clear, he's in favor of the lengthy timeout.

"The one who choked Rudy [Gobert], the one who took a wild flail at Jusuf [Nurkic], the one who punched Jordan [Poole] last year -- that's the guy who has to change," Kerr said.

"You look at the past year and what's happened," the coach continued, "it's clear he needs the opportunity to change."

Kerr explained to media members that for much of Green's career, he's not had issues with the power forward ... saying he believes most of Draymond's outbursts prior to 2022 included tolerable yelling at refs or innocuous ball throwing.

However, Kerr said the behavior he's displayed in the last year -- which most recently included taking a swipe at Jusuf Nurkic's face during an altercation in Tuesday night's Warriors vs. Suns game -- just cannot continue.

"To me, this is about more than basketball," Kerr said. "It's about helping Draymond. I think it's an opportunity for Draymond to step away and to make a change in his approach and his life."

Draymond Green would be breathing a lot easier today if Shaquille O'Neal were running the NBA ... 'cause the Lakers legend says he'd only suspend DG two games if league punishments were up to him.

O'Neal made the declaration while speaking with Babcock and Charles on "TMZ Live" on Thursday -- less than 24 hours after Green was banned by Adam Silver indefinitely for smacking Jusuf Nurkic in the head during an altercation in the Warriors vs. Suns game.

Shaq says he believes Green had no bad intentions when he flailed his right arm into Nurkic's face -- explaining he's buying the Warriors star's explanation that he was simply trying to sell a call.

"I don't think Draymond said, 'Hey, I'm going to punch this guy just 'cause he's pulling my jersey,'" Shaq said.

The Diesel went on to tell the guys that he believes the play was merely a flop gone wrong.

Of course, Silver and the NBA apparently disagree ... because they've banned Green from suiting up for Golden State for the foreseeable future.

Draymond Green is getting help amid his suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct ... a practice he's quite familiar with, as he previously discussed his emotional struggles in a sit-down with self-help guru Deepak Chopra.

The Golden State Warriors star is reportedly seeking counseling after striking Jusuf Nurkic in the face during Tuesday's matchup against the Phoenix Suns ... with the NBA stating he must meet certain conditions before rejoining his team.

While Draymond said after the game the whole incident was just an accident, the Association clearly felt otherwise ... making his punishment indefinite to allow him to "take the time he might need to deal with challenges he’s facing," according to Adrian Wojnarowski.

As we previously reported, Green acknowledged his on-court rage in the Prime Video show, "The Sessions," last year ... where he explained how rage is "100%" part of his identity as a player.

"I go on the floor and no matter what, no matter who gets in the way, it's coming out. But, it's emotionally draining," Green said in the session with Chopra.

Green said he has always had a chip on his shoulder en route to the NBA ... but even after finding success as a pro, he never let his "I'm not supposed to be here" mentality go.

Chopra told the four-time champion there's nothing wrong with anger, as it can be a release for him -- just like laughter or sleep.

But hostility, he continued, is more about seeking revenge or "getting even" ... which is much more dangerous.

While Draymond appeared to pick up what Chopra was putting down, it didn't put a stop to his on-court issues -- not only did he hit Nurkic in the face, but he also choked Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert earlier this season, which led to a suspension.

Draymond Green is going to be away from the Golden State Warriors for a while ... the NBA hit him with an indefinite suspension after he smacked one of his opponents in the face.

The NBA says Draymond's "repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts" is playing into his indefinite suspension.

Draymond was ejected from Tuesday's game against the Phoenix Suns ... when he got way too physical with Jusuf Nurkic, whacking him in the head with a hard right hand during a scrap in the third quarter. Draymond was hit with a flagrant foul 2 and booted from the game.

It's the second suspension for Draymond already this NBA season ... he was hit with a 5-game ban just last month after putting Minnesota Timberwolves star center Rudy Gobert in a chokehold.

The NBA says Draymond's suspension will begin immediately -- the Warriors play the Clippers Thursday night -- and "he will be required to meet certain league and team conditions" before being reinstated.

Draymond is expected to meet Thursday with Warriors brass and his agent Rich Paul to discuss counseling ... according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.