The basketball community is reeling from the devastating news of the passing of Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojevic at the age of 46. The former Serbian player and coach reportedly suffered a heart attack during a private team dinner in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, leading to his hospitalization and, ultimately, his untimely demise.

Milojevic had been an integral part of the Warriors’ coaching staff since 2021, contributing significantly to the team’s NBA Championship victory during the 2021-22 season. His impact on the court and the sidelines made him a respected figure in both the NBA and international basketball communities.

Born on August 15, 1977, in Loznica, Serbia, Milojevic had an illustrious 15-year playing career, showcasing his skills as a power forward and center. He played for various teams across Europe, including Partizan Belgrade, Galatasaray, Valencia, and Buducnost. His achievements as a player included winning three consecutive ABA League MVP awards and leading the league in scoring in 2005 and 2006.

Transitioning to coaching, Milojevic continued to make waves in the basketball world. He played a pivotal role in developing young talent, particularly power forwards and centers, during his coaching stints with Mega Vizura in Serbia and Buducnost in Montenegro. His efforts helped create a strong pipeline from Mega Vizura to the NBA, with several players he coached going on to be selected in the NBA Draft, including stars like Nikola Jokic and Ivica Zubac.

In 2021, Milojevic took on a new challenge by joining the coaching staff of the Golden State Warriors, working under head coach Steve Kerr. His wealth of experience, both as a player and a coach, made him a valuable asset to the team. The Warriors’ decision to bring him on board reflected their confidence in his ability to contribute to their success.

The sudden and tragic turn of events surrounding Milojevic’s health has sent shockwaves through the basketball world. The postponement of the Warriors’ game against the Utah Jazz highlights the gravity of the situation and the impact of Milojevic’s sudden medical emergency on the entire team.

At Fadeaway World, our hearts go out to Dejan Milojevic’s family, loved ones, and the entire Golden State Warriors organization during this incredibly difficult time. Milojevic’s legacy will undoubtedly endure, remembered for his contributions as a player, and a coach, and the positive influence he had on the lives of those he encountered in the basketball community.