Golden State Warriors announced on Wednesday that the team's assistant coach, Dejan Milojević, has died at 46 after suffering a heart attack in Salt Lake City, Utah.
On Tuesday night, Milojević was hospitalized in Salt Lake City after suffering a medical emergency during a private team dinner.
Dejan Milojević Dies at 46
The Golden State Warriors wrote on X, formerly Twitter, about the passing of Milojević. Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr said that Milojević's death was a shocking and tragic blow for everyone associated with the Warriors and a tough time for his family, friends, and people who had the incredible pleasure of working with him.
Kerr added that they grieve for his wife, Natasa, and their children, Nikola and Masa. He claimed they were devastated by Milojević's sudden passing. He described Milojević as one of the most positive and beautiful human beings he has ever known, bringing joy and light to every day with his passion and energy.
The NBA postponed the Warriors' January 17 game against the Utah Jazz after Milojević's passing. NBA commissioner Adam Silver released a separate statement. He noted that the NBA also mourns the sudden passing of Milojević, a beloved colleague and dear friend to many in the global basketball community.
Silver continued, "In addition to winning the 2022 NBA championship in his first season with the Warriors and mentoring some of the best players in the world, Dejan had a decorated international playing career and was a distinguished head coach in his native Serbia."
A fellow Serbian native wrote on Instagram and posted a photo of them with the caption, "Rest in peace Deki!"
Atlanta forward Bogdan Bogdanovic politely declined to comment on Wednesday before the Hawks' game. He said he could not talk about it right now while tapping his chest.
Furthermore, Warriors rookie Brandin Podziemski shared on social media that he changed his life in such a short time. He wrote that the most important thing Milojević ever told him was to smile.
Milojević: The Pride of Warriors
Milojević started his professional basketball career in the 1990s as a player and played for 14 years on teams in his home country of Serbia and other parts of Europe. He joined the Warriors as an assistant coach in 2021 and was named the Adriatic League MVP thrice.
In 2012, Milojević shifted his focus to the sidelines and became head coach for professional basketball teams in Serbia and Montenegro. He worked with several players, including Denver Nuggets center and league MVP Nikola Jokić, when he joined the NBA.
He was currently in his third season with the Warriors. He previously worked as a coach in Serbia and Montenegro, where he also coached the Serbian national team as an assistant coach alongside current Atlanta assistant Igor Koskoskov.
Related Article : Former New Orleans Saints LB Ronald Powell Passes Away at 32
