Tragedy recently struck the NBA world, as Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojevic died on Wednesday after suffering a heart attack.
The 46-year-old had a medical emergency during a private team dinner on Tuesday night before being hospitalized and ultimately passing away.
In light of the news, many folks around the basketball community have taken to social media to share their thoughts on the tragedy.
Our hearts go out to Milojevic family and the entire Warriors organization. 🙏🏼🙏🏼
— Ryan Smith (@RyanQualtrics) January 17, 2024
R.I.P 😔😔💔 pic.twitter.com/6lgLhduv35
— Jusuf Nurkić 🇧🇦 (@bosnianbeast27) January 17, 2024
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
Awful news today.. My deepest condolences to Coach Milojevic’s family and the Warriors organization..
— Lauri Markkanen (@MarkkanenLauri) January 17, 2024
My thoughts and prayers go out to Coach Milojević’s family and to the entire Golden State organization. A terrible loss for the NBA community 🙏🏽 https://t.co/wOw31vYoJB
— Karl-Anthony Towns (@KarlTowns) January 17, 2024
My most sincere condolences to Dejan Milojevic’s family, friends and everybody at the @warriors organization, what a tragic loss. May his memory be a blessing, rest in peace 🙏🏼 https://t.co/LO4yQSLrlN
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) January 17, 2024
Pocivaj u miru deki! 💔💔💔 pic.twitter.com/bdEFpijm8e
— Luka Doncic (@luka7doncic) January 17, 2024
View this post on Instagram
Milojevic joined Golden State’s staff in 2021, opening the door for him to make a name for himself in the NBA. He made the most of the chance, working with numerous Warriors players and ultimately helping the franchise capture the 2022 NBA title.
Milojevic was familiar with the NBA coaching world before joining the Warriors thanks in part to prior Summer League stints with numerous teams as an assistant.
Internationally, Milojevic put together a decorated playing and coaching career before his journey brought him to the Warriors. He worked with a handful of current NBA players during his time as a coach internationally.
The Warriors were scheduled to play the Utah Jazz on the road on Wednesday, but the game was postponed amid news of Milojevic’s medical emergency. A rescheduled date has yet to be announced for the matchup.
The amount of support that has poured in for Milojevic following the tragedy makes it clear that he touched many lives, and his impact will certainly live on.
The NBA’s Adam Silver released a statement on the situation.
“The NBA mourns the sudden passing of Golden State assistant coach Dejan Milojević, a beloved colleague and dear friend to so many in the global basketball community,” Silver said. “In addition to winning the 2022 NBA championship in his first season with the Warriors and mentoring some of the best players in the world, Dejan had a decorated international playing career and was a distinguished head coach in his native Serbia.”
While the loss of Milojevic is clearly impacting much of the basketball world, the Warriors in particular will have to find a way forward and rally around each other during such a tough time. The team is currently scheduled to play the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, though the matchup is likely not a priority for anyone within the organization at this time.
