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Warriors assistant Dejan Milojevic dies at age 46
Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojevic died Wednesday. Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojevic has died at age 46, according to reports from several outlets in Milojevic’s native Serbia. The team has confirmed the tragic news in an official press release.

Having accompanied the Warriors to Utah for a Wednesday game against the Jazz (that has since been postponed), Milojevic was rushed to the hospital in Salt Lake City on Tuesday after experiencing a medical emergency during a private team dinner with players and coaches.

The Warriors didn’t initially release any details on the nature of Milojevic’s health issue, but they confirmed in their latest statement that he suffered a heart attack.

“We are absolutely devastated by Dejan’s sudden passing,” head coach Steve Kerr said in a statement. “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.”

A former star player in Europe and the longtime head coach of Mega Basket in Serbia, where he coached future NBA MVP Nikola Jokic from 2012-15, Milojevic made the move to the NBA in 2021. He joined Kerr’s staff in Golden State and won a title in 2022 to cap off his first year with the franchise.

Milojevic previously worked with the Hawks, Spurs and Rockets during Summer Leagues from 2016-18 and was in his third season as a Warriors assistant. As a player, he primarily competed for teams in Serbia, but also spent time in Spain, Turkey and Montenegro. He was a three-time MVP of the ABA League from 2004-06.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Milojevic’s friends and family.

This article first appeared on Hoops Rumors and was syndicated with permission.

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