Golden State Warriors assistant coach and former professional basketball player Dejan Milojević has passed away at the age of 46. The news of his sudden death has shocked the basketball community and left the Golden State Warriors organization devastated.
Milojević suffered a heart attack while having dinner at a restaurant in Salt Lake City on Tuesday. Despite the efforts to save him, he tragically passed away on Wednesday afternoon, as confirmed by the team in a statement. The Warriors’ game against the Utah Jazz, which was scheduled for Wednesday night, has been postponed as a result.
Although Milojević went undrafted in the 1999 NBA Draft, he had a remarkable career in Europe. He won the ABA League MVP honors three consecutive times and also clinched the ABA scoring title in consecutive seasons. His playing career ended in 2009, after which he found success coaching for organizations in Serbia and Montenegro.
In 2021, Milojević joined the Golden State Warriors as an assistant coach, focusing on helping the team’s big men. He played a crucial role in the team’s championship victory over the Boston Celtics in the 2022 NBA Finals.
Milojević’s impact extended beyond the NBA. He also served as an assistant coach for the Serbian national team. His coaching abilities were recognized by many, including two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić, whom he coached.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr expressed his devastation and shared a heartfelt statement on Milojević’s passing. He described him as a positive and beautiful human being who brought joy and light to every single day with his passion and energy. Kerr also extended his condolences to Milojević’s wife, Natasha, and their children, Nikola and Masa, acknowledging the unfathomable loss they are experiencing.
The basketball community mourns the loss of Dejan Milojević, remembering him not only as a talented coach and player but also as a remarkable human being. His contributions to the sport will be cherished, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
