Delay in the Jazz-Warriors matchup due to the SLC death of Golden State’s assistant coach
The NBA has postponed the Delta Center match between the Golden State Warriors and the Utah Jazz, scheduled for Wednesday night, due to the death of a Warriors assistant coach on Wednesday morning.
Following a private dinner with coaches and players in Salt Lake City on Tuesday night, the NBA deemed “a medical emergency within the Warriors family” to be the reason for the early Wednesday postponement of the game.
Hours after the Warriors announced that 46-year-old assistant coach Dejan Milojevic, who was hospitalized Tuesday night in Salt Lake City but later confirmed Wednesday afternoon that Milojevic died late Wednesday morning “despite life-saving efforts,” the news broke.
“We are in a state of absolute devastation over Dejan’s passing,” said Warriors head coach Steve Kerr.
“A tragic and shocking setback has affected everyone associated with the NBA Warriors, and his family, friends, and every one of us who had the immense privilege of working with him is currently going through an unbelievably trying time.”
Milojevic was “one of the most kind and beautiful people I have ever met,” according to Kerr, who also described him as a “terrific” basketball coach.
He stated that Milojevic’s enthusiasm and vitality “infused each day with happiness and illumination.”
“We grieve with and for his wife, Natasa, or their children, Nikola and Masa,” clarified Kerr. “Their loss was unfathomable.” On Friday evening, the team will travel to play Dallas.
A Warriors spokesman informed the San Francisco Chronicle that the team’s morale was “shaken.” The staff visited Milojevic in the hospital, causing the cancellation of the morning shootaround.
Milojevic, a native of Belgrade, served as an assistant coach for the Warriors for three seasons following his tenure as head coach of KK Buducnost of the Adriatic League in Montenegro during the 2021 season.
“The Utah Jazz organization expresses our deepest sympathies following the tragic passing of Golden State Warriors assistant manager Dejan Milojevic,” according to a statement from the Jazz.
“During this difficult time, our thoughts are with his family and friends, as well as the entire Warriors family.” Milojevic was a beloved and highly regarded NBA family member.
We extend our condolences to the Warriors, the National Basketball Association, and all basketball enthusiasts worldwide on this tragic occasion. The basketball community will deeply miss him.
“Dejan’s untimely death has devastated us beyond all measure,” stated Warriors head coach Steve Kerr.
“A tragic and shocking setback has affected everyone associated with the NBA Warriors, and his family, friends, and those of us who had the immense privilege of working with him are currently going through an unbelievably trying time.”
“Dejan, apart from being an exceptional basketball coach, was among the most idyllic and kind-hearted individuals I have ever met; his fervor and vitality illuminated each day with happiness and splendor.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement: “The NBA mourns the untimely death of Golden State coaching assistant Dejan Milojevi, a cherished colleague and dear companion to so many in the international basketball community.”
Dejan, who served as a mentor to some of the world’s finest athletes and led the Warriors to the 2022 NBA title in his debut season, also coached illustrious Serbian national teams and maintained an international playing career.
During this time of tragedy, we extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Natasa, their children, Nikola and Masa, and the Warriors organization. He participated in international basketball for fourteen years and was named a three-time Adriatic League MVP from 2004 to 2006.
The Serbian national joined the coaching staff of the Washington Wizards in 2021, following stints as head coach in Serbia and Montenegro.
While playing professionally in Europe, he earned the title of MVP of the Adriatic Basketball Association three times.
At the 2001 Eurobasket, he represented Serbia and Montenegro and earned a gold medal. Additionally, he has supervised the national team of Serbia as an assistant coach.
We extend our condolences to his wife, Natasa, as well as their two children, Nikola and Masa. “They have suffered an unfathomable loss.”