After a heart attack, Warriors assistant coach Milojevic passes away.
MIAMI: Following his passing on Wednesday at the age of 46, Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojevic was regarded by the NBA as a kind friend and significant mentor.
Title: Remembering Dejan Milojevic: A Basketball Coach’s Sudden and Tragic Passing
In a heartbreaking turn of events, the Golden State Warriors’ assistant coach, Dejan Milojevic, passed away on Wednesday morning after suffering a heart attack during a team dinner in Salt Lake City on Tuesday night. Milojevic, a former player who had a successful career in Spain and Turkey, as well as his native Serbia, began his coaching journey in his homeland. He had joined the Warriors as an assistant coach in 2021 and was part of the coaching staff that celebrated an NBA championship victory in 2022.
The news of Milojevic’s sudden death was confirmed by the Warriors, who expressed their profound grief and shock over the loss. Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr, visibly shaken by the tragedy, remarked, “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.”
Kerr went on to highlight not only Milojevic’s coaching prowess but also his exceptional qualities as a human being. He described Milojevic as “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.” The Warriors coach acknowledged the immense impact Milojevic had on the team, both professionally and personally.
Despite immediate life-saving efforts, Milojevic passed away in Utah, leading to the postponement of the Warriors’ scheduled game against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday. The NBA community was quick to react to the tragic news, with teams across the league paying tribute to Milojevic, affectionately known as “Deki,” by observing a moment of silence before their respective games.
Among those paying tribute was Toronto Raptors’ Serbian head coach, Darko Rajakovic, who spoke fondly of Milojevic’s influence on his life. “I knew Dejan since I was a teenager. He was a role model as a player, as a man, as a husband, as a coach,” Rajakovic expressed, emphasizing the multifaceted impact Milojevic had on those around him.
Milojevic’s coaching journey extended beyond the NBA, as he had previously served as an assistant coach for the Serbian national team. During his time in Europe, he collaborated with numerous aspiring basketball talents who later became NBA stars. His legacy is not only reflected in the championship victory with the Warriors but also in the profound influence he had on players and fellow coaches globally.
As the basketball world mourns the loss of a beloved figure, thoughts and condolences pour in for Milojevic’s family. Kerr expressed deep sympathy, saying, “We grieve with and for his wife, Natasa, and their children, Nikola and Masa. Their loss is unfathomable.” The impact of Milojevic’s passing reverberates not only within the Golden State Warriors organization but throughout the entire basketball community.
In times like these, the sport transcends competition, and a collective sense of loss is felt by players, coaches, and fans alike. Dejan Milojevic’s sudden departure serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life, prompting reflection on the broader significance of the relationships formed within the basketball fraternity. The memory of “Deki” will undoubtedly linger as a testament to the positive impact one person can have on the lives of those around them, both on and off the court.
