Life is too short, man. It’s easy to forget that while we’re all having a great time and watching these sports that we love.
Sometimes, sports can be a respite for a lot of people. A fleeting moment that brings joy. But it’s real life, too. And, sometimes, when reality comes it hits hard. That’s what everyone seems to be feeling after learning that Warriors’ assistant coach Dejan Milojević has reportedly died.
The Warriors announced Milojević’s death via a social media statement on Wednesday. He had reportedly suffered a medical episode when out at a private team dinner with Warriors players. We learned he’d suffered a heart attack and later died.
Dejan Milojević update: pic.twitter.com/bUKQGC3MHf
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) January 17, 2024
“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,” Steve Kerr said in the team statement. “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.”
Milojević joined the Warriors staff in 2021 and was the longtime coach of Nikola Jokic. He was a mainstay in Serbian basketball, coaching KK Mega Basket in Belgrade for eight seasons from 2012 to 2020.
The basketball community from all around the world sent love to Milojević’s family after hearing news of his death.