Golden State Warriors Coach Dejan Milojevic Dies at 46

Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojevic, aged 46, tragically passed away after suffering a heart attack during a private team dinner in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Tuesday. Despite extensive life-saving efforts, Milojevic succumbed to the heart attack on Wednesday morning. The news has left the basketball community in shock and mourning.

Head coach Steve Kerr expressed profound sorrow, describing Milojevic, born in Belgrade, as someone who “brought joy and light to every single day with his passion.” Kerr emphasized Milojevic’s positive and beautiful nature, making his loss deeply felt within the Warriors organization.

The team, posting on social media, conveyed being “absolutely devastated” by Milojevic’s sudden demise. NBA commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged Milojevic as a “beloved colleague and dear friend” within the global basketball community.

Dejan Milojevic, a former professional player, joined the Golden State Warriors coaching staff in 2021, contributing to their NBA title victory in 2022. He had a prominent role in Serbian basketball, representing the national team for 14 years and later becoming an assistant coach in December 2019. Milojevic also served as the head coach of KK Buducnost in the Adriatic League before his move to the United States with the Warriors.

The NBA postponed the Warriors’ scheduled game against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, and other teams paid tributes during the nine games that took place. The Warriors are set to face the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, undoubtedly carrying a heavy emotional burden as they navigate the challenging circumstances surrounding Milojevic’s untimely passing. The basketball world mourns the loss of a beloved figure, recognizing Dejan Milojevic’s significant contributions to the sport.