After suffering a medical emergency on Tuesday night, Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojevic has passed away on Wednesday morning at age 46.
Prior to the Warriors meeting the Utah Jazz on Wednesday evening, Milojevic was hospitalized after suffering a heart attack at a private team dinner.
The Warriors announced the sudden and tragic passing in a press release with 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 an flight to every single day with his passion and energy. We grieve with and for his wide 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 with the Warriors prior to the 2021-22 season. Milojevic was on the sideline when the Warriors won the NBA 2022 championship over the Boston Celtics. Milojevic has spent time working 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 has been postponed.
This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
