Golden State Warriors Mourn the Passing of Beloved Assistant Coach Dejan Milojević
The Golden State Warriors organization is in mourning as they cope with the tragic passing of beloved assistant coach Dejan Milojević, who suffered a heart attack while in Utah. Milojević, a dedicated member of the Warriors since joining in 2021, left an indelible mark on the team with his powerful personality and significant contributions as an assistant coach.
The distressing incident occurred during a team dinner, with 75% of the staff present to witness the heartbreaking event. In recognition of the gravity of the loss, the NBA allowed the Warriors to take some time off, resulting in the postponement of two games as the organization grieved and honored Milojević’s memory.
Now, as the Warriors return to the court to face the Atlanta Hawks, the atmosphere remains somber, but the team understands the need to move forward. The void left by Milojević’s passing is palpable, and the Warriors are navigating through this challenging time.
In their first practice back at the facility, the Warriors paid a heartfelt tribute to Milojević. The arena featured a massive poster in his honor, and the team watched a poignant tribute video from his hometown, Belgrade, for fifteen minutes. The practice began with this emotional acknowledgment, allowing the players and staff to gather themselves before resuming basketball activities.
Head coach Steve Kerr expressed the profound grief that the entire organization is experiencing, describing Milojević’s passing as “heartbreaking” and “devastating.” The shock and emotion surrounding the tragedy have been met with an outpouring of love from around the world.
“Heartbreaking. Devastating. It’s the saddest thing I have ever been a part of in the NBA … The last five days have been full of the shock, the emotion, the extreme outpouring of love from all over the world,” he said as per ESPN.
Milojević, known for his work with the team’s centers, had a significant impact on players like Kevon Looney. The championship-winning center acknowledged that practicing without Milojević felt different and emphasized his commitment to immersing himself back into the game as a way of healing.
As the Warriors navigate this difficult period, the memory of Dejan Milojević will undoubtedly continue to inspire and resonate within the organization.