Golden State Warriors Assistant Coach Dejan Milojević Dies at 46
CNN
—
Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojević passed away on Wednesday morning at the age of 46 after suffering a heart attack, according to the team. He had been with the Warriors since 2021 and was in his third season as part of head coach Steve Kerr’s coaching staff.
The heart attack occurred during a private team dinner on Tuesday night in Salt Lake City. Milojević was immediately taken to a local hospital, but despite efforts to save him, he unfortunately did not survive. The news of his sudden passing has left everyone associated with the Warriors devastated.
In a statement, Steve Kerr expressed his shock and grief over the loss, describing Milojević as not only a talented basketball coach but also a remarkable human being who brought joy and positivity to every day. The team extends its deepest condolences to Milojević’s wife, Natasa, and their children, Nikola and Masa, during this unimaginably difficult time.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also paid tribute to Milojević, acknowledging his impact on the global basketball community and offering his condolences to the coach’s family and the Warriors organization.
As a result of Milojević’s passing, the NBA postponed the Warriors’ scheduled game against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday. The league will announce the rescheduled date at a later time.
The news of Milojević’s death has resonated beyond the Warriors and the NBA. Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković dedicated his team’s win over the Miami Heat to his fellow Serbian coach, emphasizing Milojević’s influence on numerous NBA players and his aspirations to coach the Serbian national team.
Andre Iguodala, a former teammate of Milojević’s during their time with the Warriors, took to social media to describe him as an amazing human being. Tom Thibodeau, the coach of the New York Knicks, also praised Milojević as a great ambassador to the game.
In a touching tribute, the Los Angeles Lakers observed a moment of silence before their game against the Dallas Mavericks, honoring Milojević’s memory with players bowing their heads and his picture displayed on the arena’s big screen.
Prior to joining the Warriors, Milojević served as the head coach of Budućnost VOLI in Montenegro. His sudden passing has left a void in the basketball community, and his contributions to the sport will not be forgotten.
The cause of Milojević’s heart attack has not been disclosed at this time. His untimely death serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining good health and taking care of oneself.
Dejan Milojević’s passing is a tragic loss for the basketball world, and his absence will be deeply felt. The Warriors and the entire NBA community mourn his loss and send their thoughts and prayers to his family during this difficult period.
.
