Former player and current assistant coach of the Golden State Warriors, Dejan Milojević, passed away after experiencing a health scare during a team dinner on Tuesday night. TMZ and Eurohoopsnet confirmed his death, with Adrian Wojnarowski also tweeting the news. Initially hospitalized following the health scare, Milojević's passing led to the NBA postponing the Warriors' game against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday due to a "medical emergency in the Warriors family." Eurohoopsnet reported that Milojević suffered a heart attack.
Joining the Warriors' coaching staff in 2021, Milojević played a key role in the team's victory against the Boston Celtics in the 2022 NBA Finals, earning him a championship ring. Beyond his coaching contributions, Milojević played a pivotal role in developing the playing style of two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, particularly focusing on his elite passing skills, a crucial aspect of Jokic's game.
Despite going undrafted in the 1999 NBA draft, Milojević had a successful career playing overseas in his native Serbia, as well as in Spain, Montenegro, and Turkey. His achievements included being named the Adriatic League Most Valuable Player three times from 2004-06.
