Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojevic passed away on Wednesday. He was only 46 years old.
Milojevic was rushed to the hospital on Tuesday after suffering a heart attack during a private team dinner in Salt Lake City ahead of a game against the Utah Jazz. “Despite life-saving efforts,” the team said. stated in a statementMilojevic died on Wednesday morning.
The Warriors did not release any other details about the incident.
“We are completely devastated by Dejan's sudden passing,” Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said.
“This is a shocking and tragic blow to everyone associated with the Warriors, his family, friends and all of us who had the incredible pleasure of working with him. “This is an incredibly difficult time,” he added. “In addition to being a great basketball coach, Dejan was one of the most positive and beautiful humans I have ever known, someone whose passion and energy brought joy and light to every day.”
Milojevic was in the middle of his third season coaching the Warriors.
A former professional player himself and a European all-star who won three straight MVP awards with the Adriatic, Milojevic was an “old-school power forward.” According to The Athletic, he became known as the “big man guru” when he turned to coaching. Milojevic has mentored some of the NBA's biggest stars, including two-time MVP Nikola Jokic, center for the Denver Nuggets.
Milojevic's sudden death shocked the basketball world. Milojevic is remembered not only as a great basketball player, but an even greater man.
“He was a role model as a player, as a man, as a husband, as a coach. He was someone I really looked up to and had a lot of respect for.” Said Darko Lajakovic, head coach of the Toronto Raptors. “Unfortunately, his heart stopped last night, leaving behind his wife, two children and a large legacy.”
Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown explained“Not only was he a very talented coach, he was an even better human being.”
Milojevic left behind his wife Natasa and two children Nikola and Masa.
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