Golden State Warriors assistant coach and former professional basketball player Dejan Milojević has tragically passed away at the age of 46. The news comes after he suffered a heart attack during dinner at a Salt Lake City restaurant, ultimately leading to his untimely death.
Key Takeaway
Dejan Milojević, a beloved figure in the basketball world, has passed away at the age of 46. His contributions as a player and coach have left a lasting impact, and his untimely death has deeply saddened the basketball community.
Stellar Career and Coaching
Milojević, a Serbian power forward, had a remarkable career in Europe, winning ABA League MVP honors three consecutive times and the ABA scoring title in consecutive seasons. Despite going unpicked in the 1999 NBA Draft, he found success in Europe before transitioning to coaching.
Before joining the Warriors in 2021, Milojević coached several future NBA players and spent time as an assistant coach for the Serbian national team. His focus on helping the big men on the roster contributed to the Warriors’ championship win in the 2022 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics.
A Devastating Loss
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr expressed the organization’s devastation, highlighting Milojević’s positive and beautiful nature. 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.”
The entire organization, along with family, friends, and colleagues, mourns the loss of Milojević. His wife, Natasha, and their children, Nikola and Masa, are in the thoughts of many during this unfathomably difficult time.
