In a shocking turn of events, the basketball world is mourning the untimely death of esteemed Serbian coach and Golden State Warriors assistant, Dejan Milojevic. The 46-year-old coach suffered a sudden heart attack during a team dinner in Salt Lake City and was hospitalized, ultimately succumbing to the medical emergency.
Dejan Milojevic, who played a pivotal role as the Golden State Warriors’ assistant coach since 2021, left an indelible mark on the sport. His passing was confirmed by the Warriors, with head coach Steve Kerr expressing profound sorrow, stating, “We are absolutely devastated by Dejan’s sudden passing. This is a shocking and tragic blow for everyone associated with the Warriors.”
Known not only for his coaching prowess but also for his positivity and vibrant energy, Milojevic had an illustrious playing career spanning 22 years. As a forward, he played for renowned teams like Partizan Belgrade, Galatasaray, Valencia, and Buducnost. Milojevic achieved significant success with Partizan, securing ABA League championship titles and earning the Season MVP title.
Transitioning to coaching in his native Serbia, Milojevic played a pivotal role in developing talents like Nikola Jokic during his tenure with Mega Basket from 2012 to 2015. His coaching journey took an international leap when he joined the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, contributing to their championship victory in his inaugural season.
On the international stage, Milojevic proudly won a gold medal in the 2001 EuroBasket as part of the Serbia and Montenegro national team. His impact resonated across borders, and numerous clubs and organizations, including Partizan, Valencia, Galatasaray, Mega Basket, and the Serbian Basketball Federation, have expressed their condolences.
As the basketball community mourns the loss of a beloved figure, Dejan Milojevic’s legacy as a coach, player, and inspirational human being will be remembered with reverence. The Golden State Warriors and the entire basketball fraternity are left grappling with the profound loss of a remarkable individual.
