“Were There When He Collapsed”: Disheartening Update from Warriors Locker Room as GSW Gets Week Off to Grieve “Traumatic” Tragedy

The Golden State Warriors have not been having a good time as of late. Aside from the usual trouble ailing the Warrior’s performance this season, more tragic news has struck for the team. The Dubs assistant coach, Dejan Milojević, who served as a mentor to two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic and was a former standout player in Serbia, passed away on Wednesday in Utah following a heart attack, as confirmed by the team.

Milojević, a key member of the coaching staff contributing to the Warriors’ 2022 NBA championship victory, was 46 years old.

Warriors traumatized by the shocking loss

His untimely death occurred in Salt Lake City, where he was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday night after experiencing a medical emergency during a private team dinner. A recent update adds another layer of grief to this incident as sources claim that most players were present at the time of his cardiac arrest. The post states, “The whole thing was very traumatic. Any death is tragic, but many of these guys were there when he collapsed. It’s just very hard to deal with.”

Head Coach Steve Kerr said, “We are absolutely devastated by Dejan’s sudden passing,” in an official statement. He further added, “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.”

Dubs rookie Brandin Podemzki, who was present during his tragic passing, gave his thanks to the coach and added, “The most important thing you ever told me was to just smile! Your joy and laughs will forever be missed.”

Milojević won many hearts at the NBA. He was also behind training many of the league’s best big men.

The legacy of Dejan Milojević

Milojević, a former coach in Serbia, Montenegro, and assistant for the Serbian national team, collaborated with a young Jokic before the star’s NBA journey with the Denver Nuggets. He closely mentored players like Jokic, Ivica Zubac, Goga Bitadze, and Boban Marjanovic during his European coaching tenure. With the Warriors, Milojević focused on developing big men, earning praise from Kevon Looney for his meticulous approach.

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As a player, Milojević, a 6-foot-7, 240-pound power forward, secured three consecutive MVP awards in the Adriatic League from 2004 to 2006. His legendary youth feats include a 141-point game as a 14-year-old in 1991, with 83 points scored in the second half per his coach’s directive. Despite his untimely demise, his legacy lives on the league and players he poured his soul into.

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