After suffering a medical emergency on Tuesday night, Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojevic passed away Wednesday morning at age 46.
Prior to the Warriors’ game against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday evening, Milojevic was hospitalized after suffering a heart attack at a private team dinner.
The Warriors announced his death in a press release that included a statement from head coach Steve Kerr.
“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 beings I have ever known, someone who brought joy and light to every single day with his passion and energy. We grieve with and for his wife, Natasa, and their children, Nikola and Masa. Their loss is unfathomable.”
Via @WarriorsPR on Twitter:
Dejan Milojević update: pic.twitter.com/bUKQGC3MHf
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) January 17, 2024
Milojevic joined Kerr’s coaching staff prior to the 2021-22 season. Milojevic was on the sideline when the Warriors won the NBA 2022 championship over the Boston Celtics. Milojevic worked with Golden State’s big men, including Kevon Looney, Draymond Green, Trayce Jackson-Davis and former Warriors James Wiseman and Nemanja Bjelica.
Prior to joining the Warriors, Milojevic coached in Europe with stops in Montenegro and Serbia. While working the sidelines in Serbia, Milojevic coached future two-time MVP Nikola Jokic.
Before becoming a coach, Milojevic had a long and successful career as a player in Europe. Milojevic was a three-time MVP in Europe’s ABA league.
Golden State’s road game in Utah slated for Wednesday evening was postponed.
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