- One Serbian outlet is reporting that Dejan Milojevic suffered a heart attack
- The NBA postponed Wednesday’s game after news of the incident surfaced
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
Golden State Warriors assistant coach and former Serbian basketball star Dejan Milojevic has died at age 46 after suffering a heart attack in Salt Lake City.
‘We are absolutely devastated by Dejan’s sudden passing,’ Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr said in a statement. ‘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.’
Milojevic was hospitalized Tuesday after suffering the sudden health emergency at Valter’s Osteria, a popular Italian restaurant frequented by visiting NBA players and coaches. One employee described the scene to DailyMail.com as ‘pretty shocking.’
The 6-foot-7 retired power forward leaves behind a wife and two children.
‘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,’ Kerr continued. ‘We grieve with and for his wife, Natasa, and their children, Nikola and Masa. Their loss is unfathomable.’
Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojevic died Wednesday in Salt Lake City at 46
Steve Kerr (holding the ball) and his staff reportedly stayed at the hospital in Salt Lake City after Dejan Milojevic (back row, center right) suffered a medical emergency at a restaurant
The incident occurred at Valter’s Osteria, a popular Italian eatery frequented by NBA teams
Dejan’s son Nikola has since posted a photograph of himself and his late father on Instagram
Dejan’s son Nikola played college ball in San Jose and has since embarked on a professional career.
Nikola has since posted a photograph of himself and his late father on Instagram alongside the caption ‘Bio Si Mi Sve,’ which means: ‘You were my everything.’
Jokic posted a picture of himself with Milojevic with the caption: ‘Deki, rest in peace! Condolences to the family!’
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Warriors coaches spent the night at the hospital with Milojevic and returned to be with him on Wednesday.
The team was scheduled to play the Jazz on Wednesday night in Salt Lake City until the NBA announced the postponement. A makeup date has not been set.
In addition to Kerr, many around the basketball world are still reeling from Wednesday’s tragedy, including Milojevic’s former star pupil, Nuggets star Nikola Jokic, and Warriors rookie Brandin Podziemski.
‘You changed my life in such a short time,’ Podziemski wrote on X. ‘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.’
Milojevic is seen with his former pupil, Nikola Jokic, following a playoff game in 2022
Assistant coach Dejan Milojevic and Kevon Looney are seen speaking on the Warriors’ bench
A 6-foot-7 retired power forward, Milojevic was a star on the Serbian national team from 1994 until 2009, while winning three consecutive Adriatic League Most Valuable Player Awards from 2004 until 2006. He also played professionally in Serbia, Montenegro, Turkey, and Spain before becoming a coach.
Prior to becoming an assistant with the Warriors, Milojevic served as head coach for Mega Basket of the Adriatic Basketball Association.
It was with the Belgrade-based team that Milojevic worked with a young Nikola Jokic, who was on his way to NBA stardom, two MVP awards, and a league title at the end of the 2022-23 season.
Milojevic went on to coach in Montenegro in 2021 before accepting an assistant’s position on Kerr’s staff.
He was in his third season with the team after winning an NBA title with the Warriors at the end of the 2021-22 campaign.
