Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojevic searches before the video game versus the Houston Rockets on February 24, 2023 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California.
Noah Graham|National Basketball Association|Getty Images
Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojevi ć passed away on Wednesday, authorities stated, after suffering a cardiovascular disease at supper the night before in Salt Lake City.
The Warriors–Utah Jazz video game, set for 7 p.m. MST Wednesday at the Delta Center, had actually been held off quickly after the group revealed that Milojevi ć, 46, was hospitalized Tuesday night, having actually suffered “a medical emergency at a private team dinner.”
He had a cardiovascular disease and passed away late Wednesday early morning, the group stated.
“We are absolutely devastated by Dejan Milojević’s sudden passing,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr stated in declaration released by the group. “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.”
Kerr stated Milojevi ć was a non-stop positive individual “who brought joy” to others every day.
“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 stated. “We grieve with and for his wife, Natasa, and their children, Nikola and Masa. Their loss is unfathomable.”
Milojevi ć was employed in 2021 after a training and embellished playing profession in Europe.
The 6-foot-7 Belgrade native, called “Coach Decky” to the Warriors, was charged with dealing with Golden State’s centers and power forwards.
“He’s been so valuable for me,” Kerr stated of Milojevi ć in 2015. “It’s been great to watch Decky develop as a coach as he’s gotten more comfortable with the language, with the culture, with our group. The guys love him. The players love him.”
Milojevi ć had actually been credited with the advancement of Warriors center Kevon Looney.
Looney stated Milojevi ć was especially severe at determining little aspects for Looney to up his video game, particularly in offending rebounding and scoring near to the rim.
“I think those details really did take me to the next level,” he stated.
The group prides itself on open interaction and making the work environment pleasurable, according to Kerr.
“Decky embodies all of that,” he stated. “He loves the game. He loves people. He loves to laugh and everyday at our meetings, he brings his joy and positivity that is infections.”
The Warriors next set up video game is Friday in San Francisco versus the Dallas Mavericks.
Wednesday’s night held off video game versus the Jazz will be rescheduled, the league stated.
