Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojevic has passed away at the age of 46, and reactions and tributes are pouring in.
Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski has shared his thoughts on the late coach on social media:
“You changed my life in such a short time. The most important thing you ever told me was to just smile! Your joy and laughs will forever be missed. Shine down on us from heaven. Rest In Peace Dejan Milojević”
Milojevic reportedly suffered a heart attack in Utah on Tuesday and the game between the Utah Jazz and the Warriors on Wednesday was postponed. A number of Warriors players and coaches were at the restaurant with him during that time.
He played for 15 years overseas, including stops in Serbia, Spain, Montenegro and Turkey.
After his playing career finished, he became the head coach at Mega Basket from 2012 to 2020 with a record of 173-172. He coached Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic during a few years at Mega Basket and had a close relationship with him. He also spent time working with Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac, so he has a good relationship with a number of international players in the NBA.
After his time at Mega Basket, he spent a year with Buducnost before joining the Warriors as an assistant coach in 2021. He was brought to Golden State to help James Wiseman and was a key part of the staff for Steve Kerr, even after Wiseman was moved to the Pistons.
The Warriors’ next scheduled game is on Friday against the Dallas Mavericks.
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