Shocking News: Golden State Warriors Assistant Coach Dejan Milojevic Passes Away
The Golden State Warriors assistant coach, Dejan Milojevic, passed away suddenly on the 17th, as announced by the team. Milojevic, hailing from Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, suffered a heart attack during a team dinner.
Key Contributor to Victory: Milojevic’s Role in Warriors’ 2022 NBA Championship
According to Reuters, the 46-year-old Milojevic had played a key role in helping the Golden State Warriors secure the NBA Championship in 2022, marking his third season as an assistant coach with the team.
A Stunned Coach Kerr: Expressing Grief and Remembrance
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr expressed shock at Milojevic’s sudden demise, stating, “We are incredibly shocked by the sudden passing of Milojevic. It’s a stunning and tragic blow for everyone associated with the Warriors, and an extremely difficult time for his family, friends, and all fortunate enough to work with him.”
A Positive Force: Milojevic’s Impact Beyond Basketball
Kerr added, “Beyond being an outstanding basketball coach, he was one of the most positive and beautiful people I’ve ever known. He brought joy and light to each day with his passion and energy.”
Sudden Heart Attack: Milojevic’s Last Moments
The official statement from the Warriors revealed that Milojevic suffered a heart attack during a team dinner on the night of the 16th and was immediately transported to a hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. Despite the hospital’s efforts, Milojevic was pronounced dead on the morning of the 17th.
NBA Game Postponed: Responding to the Emergency
The NBA announced the postponement of the Warriors’ scheduled game against the Utah Jazz on the 17th due to the “Warriors experiencing a medical emergency.” The rescheduled date will be announced later. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement mourning Milojevic’s sudden death, acknowledging him as a beloved colleague and friend within the global basketball community.
Opposing Team’s Tribute: Utah Jazz Express Condolences
The Utah Jazz expressed condolences upon learning of Milojevic’s passing, describing him as a “respected and beloved member of the NBA family.”
Impactful Addition to Warriors: Milojevic’s Coaching Legacy
Warriors head coach Kerr, in a separate statement, revealed the impact of Milojevic’s death on the entire team. Born in Serbia, Milojevic joined the Warriors in 2021 upon the recommendation of Warriors owner’s son, Kent Lacob, and personal persuasion by Coach Kerr. Milojevic was tasked with assisting in the training of players like Kevon Looney, and his contributions were highly effective.
Renowned in Europe: Milojevic’s Storied Basketball Career
Milojevic, with a renowned coaching background in Europe, had previously collaborated closely with players such as Nikola Jokic, Ivica Zubac, Goga Bitadze, and Boban Marjanovic. He had also achieved significant acclaim during his playing career in Europe, setting records and earning MVP honors in the Adriatic League.
Profound Loss: Mourning Across the NBA Community
The sudden passing of assistant coach Milojevic has left the NBA community in mourning, and the heartfelt tributes from the Warriors, NBA officials, and opposing teams like the Utah Jazz reflect the profound impact he had on those he worked with and the basketball world at large.(LVBET)
