Dejan Milojević, Warriors assistant coach, dies at 46 after sudden hospitalization

Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojević has reportedly passed away at age 46, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

“Golden State assistant coach Dejan Milojevic had died,” Wojnarowski posted on X. “Milojevic, 46, was hospitalized Tuesday in SLC in critical condition. After a decorated 15-year playing/coaching career, the Serbian native joined Warriors staff in 2021. He was a beloved figure in global and league circles.”

Wojnarowski and ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported that Milojević “suffered a sudden and serious health issue at a restaurant in Salt Lake City on Tuesday night” after traveling with the Warriors for Wednesday’s game against the Utah Jazz.

Earlier on Wednesday, the NBA announced the game would be postponed because of a “medical emergency in the Warriors family,” and that a makeup date will be announced at a later date while the team deals with their loss.

Additionally, ESPN added that there “were players and coaches dining together when Milojević’s health episode occurred.”

The Warriors assistant joined Steve Kerr’s staff back in 2021, and was a well-regarded coach in the league, according to ESPN. Additionally, Wojnarowski and Shelburne reported that he had a healthy relationship with Serbian basketball star Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets.

Basketball takes a backset when something like this happens. The thoughts and prayers of the NBA community are with Dejan Milojević, his family, friends and the Golden State Warriors.