In a shocking development from the National Basketball Association (NBA), Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojevic has died. The Belgrade-born coach succumbed to a heart attack during a team dinner, as stated by the Warriors’ officials on Wednesday.
Aged 46, Milojevic was in his third season of coaching with the Golden State Warriors and was crucial in leading the team to the 2022 NBA championship.
After experiencing a heart attack during a private team event on Tuesday, Milojevic was immediately rushed to a hospital in Salt Lake City. Despite efforts to save his life, he tragically passed away late Wednesday morning.
Golden State head coach Steve Kerr said the team is devastated by Melojevic’s passing, calling him one of the most positive human beings.
“We are absolutely devastated by Dejan’s sudden passing. 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. 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,” said Kerr.
The Warriors’ scheduled game against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday had to be postponed due to the sudden “medical emergency in the Warriors family”. The NBA has assured a rescheduled date will be announced later.
Milojevic’s impressive career spans beyond his service to the Warriors. The year prior, in 2021, he successfully held the position of head coach for Buducnost, a Montenegrin team in the Adriatic League. His distinguished work in Serbia as Mega Basket’s head coach for eight seasons further attests to his competence.
The Serbian national team acknowledged Milojevic’s talents, adding him to their coaching roster under the guidance of Igor Kokoskov in December 2019.
His illustrious 14-year tenure as a professional basketball player also shines brightly in his profile. Milojevic’s commendable performances thrice bestowed him with the Adriatic League’s Most Valuable Player award between 2004 and 2006.
