Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojević has passed away after suffering a heart attack during a team dinner in Salt Lake City. He was 46 years old.
ESPN made an announcement this morning stating that the Warriors and Utah Jazz game would be postponed after the assistant coach suffered a heart attack but shortly after that announcement an update was made that Milojević passed away.
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“We are devastated by Dejan’s sudden passing,” Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said. “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 of working 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.”
Milojević’s journey in coaching began in his native Serbia, where he gained recognition and respect for his coaching abilities. He started his career as an assistant coach for Red Star Belgrade, one of the most successful basketball clubs in Europe. During his time with Red Star Belgrade, he honed his coaching skills and learned from some of the best mentors in the game.
In 2017, Milojević leaped to the NBA when he joined the Sacramento Kings as an assistant coach. His impact was felt immediately as he played a crucial role in the development of the team’s young talent. Under his guidance, players like De’Aaron Fox and Buddy Hield flourished, showcasing their potential and becoming key contributors to the team’s success.
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Milojević’s coaching style is characterized by his emphasis on player development and creating a positive team culture. He believes in building strong relationships with his players and fostering an environment where they can thrive both on and off the court. His ability to connect with players and earn their trust has been instrumental in their growth and development.
One of Milojević’s notable accomplishments as an NBA coach came during the 2020-2021 season when he served as the interim head coach for the Sacramento Kings. Despite taking over a team that was struggling, he was able to instill a sense of belief and unity among the players. Under his leadership, the team showed tremendous improvement, and their performance on the court improved significantly.
Milojević’s coaching philosophy is centered around playing an up-tempo style of basketball, focusing on fast breaks and quick ball movement. He encourages his players to be aggressive on defense and to push the pace on offense. This style of play has garnered praise from both players and fans, as it has led to an exciting and entertaining brand of basketball.
In addition to his coaching accomplishments in the NBA, Milojević has also achieved success on the international stage. He has served as an assistant coach for the Serbian national team, helping them secure a silver medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.