The NBA and international basketball world were struck with some unfortunate news today, as Golden State Warriors’ assistant coach Dejan Milojević passed away at age 46.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!We are absolutely devastated by Dejan Milojević's sudden passing.
This is a shocking and tragic blow for everyone associated with the Warriors and an incredibly difficult time for his family, friends, and all of us who had the incredible pleasure to work with him.
We grieve… pic.twitter.com/0wExlLlu5z
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) January 17, 2024
Milojević, a known mentor to Nikola Jokic, suffered a heart attack during a private team dinner Tuesday night. The Warriors had a game scheduled today against the Utah Jazz that has now been postponed.
Milojević was in his third season coaching with the Warriors after previously coaching in Serbia, helping Golden State win the 2022 NBA Championship.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojević: pic.twitter.com/Ft6akrEZHr
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) January 17, 2024
Including Jokić, he worked with several international big man including Ivica Zubac, Goga Bitadze and Boban Majanovic.
Before his coaching career, Milojević starred as a 6-foot-7 power forward in the Adriatic League, taking home three-consecutive MVP honors in 2004, 2005 and 2006.
Phoenix center Jusuf Nurkić offered his condolences to the news on X (Twitter).
R.I.P 😔😔💔 pic.twitter.com/6lgLhduv35
— Jusuf Nurkić 🇧🇦 (@bosnianbeast27) January 17, 2024
Suns’ guard Damion Lee, who played for the Warriors from 2018-2022, also shared a post about Milojević on X.
Damn dude 💔😔🙏🏽
— Damion Lee (@Dami0nLee) January 17, 2024
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Brendan Mau is a senior writer covering the Phoenix Suns and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @Brendan_Mau
