Heartbreaking message from Steve Kerr regarding Dejan Milojević’s passing

Steve Kerr, the head coach of the Golden State Warriors, recently shared a heartfelt message regarding the tragic passing of assistant coach Dejan Milojević. The Warriors grappled with the loss as Milojević, aged 46, suffered a fatal heart attack during a private dinner in Salt Lake City, Utah. In response to the unfortunate incident, the NBA made the decision to postpone Golden State’s next two games.

Reflecting on the challenging week that unfolded for both players and coaches within the Warriors organization, Kerr attempted to articulate the profound impact of the loss. The 58-year-old head coach expressed that it was the most sorrowful experience he had encountered during his time in the NBA.

“Heartbreaking. Devastating. It’s just the saddest thing I’ve ever been a part of in the NBA. We lose someone who’s so close to us. More importantly, seeing his family suffer. This last week has been … full of all of the above. The shock, the emotion, the extreme outpouring of love,” Kerr shared.

In addition to conveying the immense sorrow felt by the team, Kerr disclosed that he had spoken with Milojević’s two children. While he did not disclose the details of their conversation, Kerr expressed empathy towards them, drawing parallels to his own experience of losing his father at a young age.

Dejan Milojević became a part of the Warriors coaching staff in 2021 and played a role in the team’s championship victory in 2022. Standing at 6’7”, Milojević, a Serbian national, had achieved success as a player in Europe, earning multiple championship titles. Notably, he also contributed to the development of several NBA-drafted players, including his compatriot Nikola Jokic.

The untimely passing of Milojević has undoubtedly left a void within the Golden State Warriors organization. The shockwaves of this tragic event have been felt deeply, not only for the loss of a valued colleague and coach but also for the impact on Milojević’s family. Steve Kerr’s poignant words reflect the collective grief and the overwhelming emotions that have permeated the Warriors community in the wake of this profound loss.

It is evident that Milojević’s influence extended beyond his coaching role, as he contributed significantly to the Warriors’ success and played a pivotal role in the development of players who have gone on to make their mark in the NBA. As the Warriors navigate through this period of mourning, the memory of Dejan Milojević will undoubtedly continue to resonate within the team and the broader basketball community.