Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojevic died Wednesday at the age of 46 after suffering a heart attack at a team dinner Tuesday evening in Salt Lake City, where the Warriors were scheduled to play the Utah Jazz Wednesday.
The Serban-born Milojevic, who had been with the Warriors since 2021, had an accomplished international playing and coaching career before heading to Golden State. He was named the Adriatic League MVP three straight seasons (2004-06) and is the only three-time MVP in league history.
Head Coach Steve Kerr and the Golden State Warriors released a statement Wednesday, which can be seen below.
Dejan Milojević update: pic.twitter.com/bUKQGC3MHf
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) January 17, 2024
“We are absolutely devastated by Dejan’s sudden passing,” Kerr said. “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. 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. We grieve with and for his wife, Natasa, and their children, Nikola and Masa. Their loss is unfathomable.”
Wednesday night’s scheduled game between the Warriors and Jazz has understandably been postponed.
