The Golden State Warriors are set to return to the court with heavy hearts following the tragic passing of assistant coach Dejan Milojevic. The Serbian, affectionately known as “Deki,” suffered a heart attack during a team dinner in Utah last week. Despite attempts to save him, he passed away the following day at a Salt Lake City hospital.
Speaking to reporters earlier this week, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr described the event as “the saddest thing I’ve ever been a part of in the NBA.” The team has canceled two games in the wake of Milojevic’s passing, taking time to mourn and support his family.
Milojevic joined the Warriors coaching staff last year and played a significant role in their 2022 NBA Championship victory. He is survived by his wife and two children.
In the days following his untimely death, the basketball world has come together to honor Milojevic’s legacy. Warriors players and coaches watched an emotional tribute to him prior to a game in Belgrade, where he had previously coached two teams.
Speaking about Milojevic, Warriors center Kevon Looney remembered him as “positive, joyful, and authentic.” He went on to describe Milojevic as someone who “loved to teach” and “loved to spread his knowledge and his love.”
Prior to joining the Warriors, Milojevic served as head coach for Buducnost in the Adriatic League in Montenegro. He spent eight seasons as head coach for Mega Basket in Belgrade, the team where he had begun his professional playing career.
