Life is too short, man. It’s easy to forget that while we’re all having a great time and watching these sports that we love.
Sometimes, sports can be a respite for a lot of people. A fleeting moment that brings joy. But it’s real life, too. And, sometimes, when reality comes it hits hard. That’s what everyone seems to be feeling after learning that Warriors’ assistant coach Dejan Milojević has reportedly died.
The Warriors announced Milojević’s death via a social media statement on Wednesday. He had reportedly suffered a medical episode when out at a private team dinner with Warriors players. We learned he’d suffered a heart attack and later died.
Dejan Milojević update: pic.twitter.com/bUKQGC3MHf
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) January 17, 2024
“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,” Steve Kerr said in the team statement. “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.”
Milojević joined the Warriors staff in 2021 and was the longtime coach of Nikola Jokic. He was a mainstay in Serbian basketball, coaching KK Mega Basket in Belgrade for eight seasons from 2012 to 2020.
The basketball community from all around the world sent love to Milojević’s family after hearing news of his death.
dejan milojevic was such a person's coach. genuine care and understanding for his athletes — toughness, tenderness, pushing them to be critical thinkers, and just so funny. he called me up v late once after running around all day, tired, and still gave me as much time as i needed pic.twitter.com/6gRuYvuydW
— Katie Heindl (@wtevs) January 17, 2024
RIP Dejan Milojević #dubnation
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) January 17, 2024
Dejan Milojevic news is so sad, can't take life for granted.
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) January 17, 2024
Sending my thoughts and prayers out to Dejan Milojević, his family and the Warriors. What a tragic loss. He was a good man, a dedicated coach and a friend to many. He will be missed.
— C.J. Holmes (@CjHolmes22) January 17, 2024
As @sportklub just confirmed, Dejan Milojević has died.
I have no words. https://t.co/YHpdiQZBFj pic.twitter.com/TYQRRsDN2u— Miroslav Ćuk (@MiroslavCuk) January 17, 2024
I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to Dejan Milojević’s family, Serbians, the Golden State organization and every person who is affected by his passing.
The NBA is a global community and we mourn together. I am praying for strength, comfort and peace for his family. pic.twitter.com/v0Giu4n3nd
— Swipa (@SwipaCam) January 17, 2024
Saddened to hear of Dejan Milojević's passing. He was a major figure in Serbian basketball. Won a EuroBasket gold. Was Nikola Jokić's coach for Mega Basket. And just earlier this season, a member of the Warriors' staff raved to me about his impact there. My thoughts are with his… https://t.co/pnhideTcr1
— Andy Bailey (@AndrewDBailey) January 17, 2024
Dejan was very important person in the development of Nikola Jokic. As a player, Dejan was an unconventional star. The Serbian Charles Barkley.
Perhaps that’s why he was the first to truly see greatness in Jokic. He helped mold him into the mvp of the Adriatic league in 2015. https://t.co/AGvQi3sH4t pic.twitter.com/IsgFgsxkDv
— Adam Mares (@Adam_Mares) January 17, 2024
We send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Dejan Milojevic, who passed away after suffering a heart attack 🕊️
REST IN PEACE, COACH 🙏🥺 pic.twitter.com/wIS5joPYdu
— AS Monaco Basket EN (@asmonaco_en) January 17, 2024
The EuroLeague Head Coaches Board expresses its condolences to the family of coach Dejan Milojevic.
May he rest in Peace https://t.co/lqvyYh7iqW
— EuroLeague Head Coaches Board – EHCB (@HeadCoachesOrg) January 17, 2024
Absolutely heartbreaking, just 46 years old. Sending prayers to Dejan Milojević’s family as well as his Warriors family. Such a pleasant guy from all accounts, always seemed to have a big smile on his face. RIP.
— TheWarriorsTalk (@TheWarriorsTalk) January 17, 2024
So sorry to hear about Dejan Milojevic. I didn't know him personally but I know he was a very respected coach and man and it's just terrible news. Rest in peace and my condolences go to his family.
— Kevin Danna (@kevo408) January 17, 2024
Champion in our hearts forever.
Rest in Peace, Dejan Milojevic. pic.twitter.com/uVemaM0kIa
— MVP (@LukeCena_) January 17, 2024
RIP, my friend… 💔🖤
Dejan Milojević was great player and coach, and even more important great person.
We had many great basketball talks always when we meet.
Will be missed… pic.twitter.com/qgkk5ilGlq— Luka Bassin (@LukaBassin) January 17, 2024
