Warriors Assistant Coach Dejan Milojević Has Died at 46, Leaves Behind His Wife and Two Kids

The Golden State Warriors and their many fans are in mourning following the news that Dejan Milojević, one of the team's assistant coaches, has died at the age of 46.

“We are absolutely devastated by Dejan’s sudden passing,” 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.”

Following the news of Dejan's death, many wanted to learn more about who he was. In particular, they were interested in who his wife and family are, and how long he has been working in basketball.

Dejan kept his personal life relatively private, but he was married to his wife Natasa. Dejan was a former Serbian basketball star who played 14 years in his home country as well as in Spain, Montenegro, and Turkey. He was named the MVP of the Adriatic League during three consecutive seasons, and entered coaching after he had retired from his career as a player. He started out as a coach in Europe, and even worked with Nikola Jokic before he joined the NBA.

Dejan and Natasa had two kids, although not much is known about them. Steve Kerr referenced them in his statement about Dejan's death.

“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. We grieve with and for his wife, Natasa, and their children, Nikola and Masa. Their loss is unfathomable,” he said.

Adam Silver, the NBA's Commissioner, also released a statement following Dejan's death.

“The NBA mourns the sudden passing of Golden State assistant coach Dejan Milojević, a beloved colleague and dear friend to so many in the global basketball community,” Adam said.

"In addition to winning the 2022 NBA championship in his first season with the Warriors and mentoring some of the best players in the world, Dejan had a decorated international playing career and was a distinguished head coach in his native Serbia.” Adam continued.

Dejan reportedly died of a heart attack during a team dinner in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was hospitalized overnight before his ultimate death. The Warriors were scheduled to play the Utah Jazz that night, but rescheduled the game following Dejan's death.

Although Dejan may not have been well known to most NBA fans, he was beloved by many in the NBA community, including fellow Serbian coaches and athletes who paid tribute to him following news of his death.

Darko Rajaković, the head coach of the Toronto Raptors, summed things up well.

“Really tough day for the NBA community. I knew Dejan since I was a teenager. He was a role model as a player, as a man, as a husband as a coach,” he said.