
USA Today via Reuters
October 21, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver during the second quarter between the Golden State Warriors and the LA Clippers at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
October 21, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver during the second quarter between the Golden State Warriors and the LA Clippers at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
On Wednesday, the Golden State Warriors shocked the NBA community by announcing the tragic passing of their assistant coach, Dejan Milojevic. The 46-year-old experienced a heart attack during a team dinner days ago in Utah, which ultimately led to his untimely demise. The initial medical emergency occurred in Salt Lake City, where Milojevic was taken to a hospital after a heart attack struck him during a private team dinner.
Despite valiant life-saving efforts, Milojevic succumbed on Wednesday morning. His sudden loss has sent ripples of grief through the franchise – teammates, coaching staff, and other faces across the league mourn the loss, leaving a somber atmosphere in the basketball community.
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Adam Silver and the NBA world unite in their loss
The Golden State Warriors took to their Twitter handle to share the initial pieces of the somber news with their fans, expressing their deep sorrow over the loss of Dejan. They stood in solidarity with his wife and two children during this difficult time.
We are absolutely devastated by Dejan Milojević's sudden passing.
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.
We grieve… pic.twitter.com/0wExlLlu5z
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) January 17, 2024
In a show of support for the Warriors franchise and the memory of the late Serbian, the league has postponed the scheduled game between the Utah Jazz and the Dubs due to take place today. In the wake of their postponed game, the atmosphere at the Celtics’ TD Garden was muted, as poignant moments of silence were observed in his honor.
A moment of silence before tonight’s game at TD Garden for Warriors’ assistant coach Dejan Milojevic pic.twitter.com/CD9mm0VfQx
— Taylor Snow (@taylorcsnow) January 18, 2024
@NBAPR, the league’s direct source of news, also officially announced the heartbreaking passing. The league extended its deepest sympathies to the coach’s family, acknowledging his significant contributions to both the NBA and global basketball. The release, signed by Adam Silver, highlighted Milojevic’s monumental impact on the sport, concluding with “heartfelt condolences” for the grieving family and the Warriors organization.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojević: pic.twitter.com/Ft6akrEZHr
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) January 17, 2024
Echoing a similar sentiment, the Denver Nuggets posted a heartfelt tribute featuring a smiling photo of Milojevic holding a basketball. Steve Kerr, the Warriors’ head coach, previously emphasized the joy and light that Dejan brought to the team each day.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Coach Dejan Milojević. Our thoughts are with his family and friends as well as the entire Warriors organization. pic.twitter.com/XlvdKYJTj1
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) January 17, 2024
In a touching tribute, Brandin Podziemski reflected on how the coach had positively transformed his life in a short time. Crediting Milojevic for instilling the valuable lesson to “always smile,” the guard expressed a hope that the coach’s blessings would continue to guide them.
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 ❤️ https://t.co/ZpHQFCQ3f4
— Brandin Podziemski (@brandinpodziem2) January 17, 2024
Sacramento Kings‘ Head Coach, Mike Brown, echoed the somber sentiments. He then reflects on Dejan’s image of being loved and maintaining strong bonds across the league.
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While emphasizing the importance of moving forward, Brown acknowledged that news of this nature calls for a more delicate approach, recognizing that time should not be a constraint in coping with the loss.
Mike Brown addressed the passing of Warriors assistant Dejan Milojevic: pic.twitter.com/wTQWdIp4JT
— James Ham (@James_HamNBA) January 17, 2024
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Before the Miami Heat‘s game against the Toronto Raptors, Erik Spoelstra also addressed the collective grief. He affirms that the Heat organization holds the coach’s family in their thoughts and prayers.
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dejan Milojević. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Milojević & @warriors families 💙💛🕊️ pic.twitter.com/Tpbfjnezd7
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) January 17, 2024
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The NBA community comes together to mourn the loss of a great mind, a coach whose impact extended far beyond the court.
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