The Golden State Warriors’ assistant coach Dejan Milojević passed away suddenly on Wednesday due to a heart attack. 46 was his age.
Milojević was admitted to the hospital the previous evening after a team meal in Salt Lake City, the team announced on Wednesday morning. The Warriors’ Wednesday night matchup against the Utah Jazz was postponed by the NBA around sixty minutes following the team’s statement. The Dallas Mavericks game on Friday has also been rescheduled.
Head coach Steve Kerr remarked, “We are absolutely devastated by Dejan’s sudden passing.” His family, friends, and all of us who had the great privilege of working with him through this extremely trying period are all grieving deeply over this surprising and tragic blow for everyone connected to the Warriors.
Kerr stated, “In addition to being a terrific basketball coach, Dejan was 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.”
Belgrade, Serbia, native Milojević was in his third season with the Warriors as an assistant coach. Prior to that, he led the Budućnost team in the Adriatic Basketball Association competition in Montenegro for one season. In addition, he spent eight years as the head coach of the Mega Basket team in Belgrade and took part in summer leagues for the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, and Atlanta Hawks.
“The NBA mourns the sudden passing of Golden State assistant coach Dejan Milojević, a beloved colleague and dear friend to so many in the global basketball community,” Adam Silver, the commissioner of the NBA, said.
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