Steve Kerr, Warriors Pay Tribute to Assistant Dejan Milojevic After Coach Dies at 46

He was universally loved and respected.

The Golden State Warriors announced Wednesday that assistant coach Dejan Milojević died from a heart attack he suffered Tuesday night while at a team dinner in Salt Lake City. He was 46 years old. 

Along with the devastating news, both the team and coach Steve Kerr released statements paying tribute to the beloved coach.

“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 said in a release.

“We are absolutely devastated by Dejan Milojević’s sudden passing,” the team 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. We grieve with and for his wife, Natasa, and their children, Nikola and Masa.”

Golden State Warriors assistant coach DeJan Milojevic before the game against the LA Clippers at Chase Center :: Darren Yamashita/USA TODAY Sports

The rest of the NBA world followed suit shortly after and flooded social media with their love and condolences, including Warriors rookie Brandin Podziemski.

You changed my life in such a short time. The most important thing you ever told me was to just smile! Your joy and laughs will forever be missed. Shine down on us from heaven. Rest In Peace Dejan Milojević ❤️ https://t.co/ZpHQFCQ3f4

— Brandin Podziemski (@brandinpodziem2) January 17, 2024

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojević: pic.twitter.com/Ft6akrEZHr

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) January 17, 2024

Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojević, an immensely popular man and coach, has passed away, the team announced. He was lovable, funny, cheerful, upbeat and unforgettable. He was 46.

— Monte Poole (@MontePooleNBCS) January 17, 2024

DEJAN MILOJEVIĆ.🕊️🖤🤍#KKPartizan pic.twitter.com/gfsYxS4Qga

— KK Partizan Mozzart Bet (@PartizanBC) 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

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

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

I feel so bad…whenever I saw Dejan Milojevic, he smiled from ear to ear. He always showed love and genuinely loved life—prayers out to Milojevic’s family and the Dubs. I can't imagine what they're going through…

— Bonta Hill (@BontaHill) January 17, 2024

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Coach Dejan Milojević. Our thoughts are with his family and friends as well as the entire Warriors organization. pic.twitter.com/XlvdKYJTj1

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) January 17, 2024

RIP Dejan Milojević #dubnation

pic.twitter.com/kaW8SnPbt1

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) January 17, 2024