USA Today via Reuters
Nov 19, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) reacts during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 19, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) reacts during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
The NBA community is mourning the sudden demise of the Warriors’ beloved assistant coach Dejan Milojevic, who died at 46 years of age. The basketball world was left in shock as Milojevic, from Belgrade, suffered a deadly heart attack during team dinner. With a key role played in guiding the Warriors to their NBA title last season, his premature death resonated throughout the league.
The entire NBA world came together to honor the late coach. The Los Angeles Lakers gave a tribute as a somber memorial took place in the arena before their game against the Mavericks, where the Lakers observed a moment of silence. From players and coaches to fans, everyone mourned the death of the man who had played an important role in sport.
The Lakers honored Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojevic, who died suddenly at the age of 46, with a moment of silence before the game. pic.twitter.com/EUILScwg6C
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 18, 2024
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Similarly, the Boston Celtics held their own moment of silence to honor Dejan Milojević. The TD Garden, which is usually filled with liveliness, fell in deep mourning as players and fans reflected on the tragedy. The Celtics did not fail to acknowledge the contribution Milojevic had on the Warriors and the whole NBA fraternity, thus demonstrating how closely interlaced the basketball family was.
In Boston, where the Celtics have a moment of silence for late Warriors assistant Dejan Milojevic pic.twitter.com/tOhpDWzlaj
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) January 18, 2024
Beyond the Lakers and Celtics, various NBA teams, including Pistons and Raptors also came together to honor Milojevic, demonstrating the solidarity that characterizes the NBA.
However, long before he was a treasured assistant coach, Milojević had an incredible career as a professional basketball player. Before being a famous assistant coach of the Golden State Warriors, Milojević created an amazing career in professional basketball.
Serbian star to NBA champion: Dejan Milojević’s remarkable journey
His journey started auspiciously when he won gold as a member of the Serbian men’s U22 national team. After this triumph, Milojevic moved to the professional league, signaling the beginning of an illustrious professional career. Milojevic’s talent was shining on the world stage as he won a gold medal at the 2001 FIBA EuroBasket tournament in Turkey after his U22 European Championship win in 1998.ADVERTISEMENT
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The attainment of three consecutive ABA League MVP titles in 2004, 2005, and 2006 further emphasized his superiority. Indeed, Milojevic showed his managerial qualities when he led a team to the Serbian Cup trophy in 2016 and then took over as head coach at Buducnost from Montenegro. His illustrious overseas journey ultimately led him to the Warriors, where, as an assistant coach, he played a crucial role in securing the 2022 NBA championship for the team.
With the postponement of the Golden State Warriors and Utah Jazz game on Wednesday, the team is granted a moment to collectively mourn and reflect on the sudden loss of their beloved assistant coach.
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