Golden State Warriors' Game Postponed Following the Tragic Passing of Assistant Coach Dejan Milojević
ICARO Media Group
In a devastating turn of events, the Golden State Warriors' Friday night matchup against the Dallas Mavericks has been postponed after the sudden death of assistant coach Dejan Milojević. The NBA announced the news on Thursday, expressing condolences and support for the Warriors organization and the grieving family.
Milojević, who had been with the Warriors for three seasons, passed away on Wednesday morning after being hospitalized following a heart attack. The heart attack occurred during a private team dinner in Salt Lake City, Utah, where the Warriors were on the road for a game against the Utah Jazz. As a result, Golden State's game against the Jazz on Wednesday night was also postponed.
The Warriors organization, as well as head coach Steve Kerr, expressed profound sadness and shock at the tragic loss. Coach Kerr described Milojević as an exceptional basketball coach and a beautiful human being, always radiating positivity and energy. The entire team and staff grieve with and for Milojević's wife, Natasa, and their children, Nikola and Masa.
Milojević had an illustrious basketball career, both as a player and a coach. Before joining the Warriors, he had coached Denver Nuggets' star center Nikola Jokic and had successful stints as a head coach in Serbia and Montenegro. Additionally, Milojević had an impressive 14-year professional basketball career overseas, earning accolades such as being named MVP of the Adriatic League three times.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also expressed his condolences, acknowledging Milojević's impact on the global basketball community. He highlighted Milojević's contributions to the Warriors, his international playing career, and his coaching achievements in Serbia. Silver extended his heartfelt sympathies to Natasa, Nikola, Masa, and the Warriors organization during this incredibly difficult time.
The rescheduled game between the Warriors and the Mavericks will be announced at a later date. Meanwhile, the Warriors' next scheduled game is against the Atlanta Hawks on January 24th. As the team mourns the loss of their beloved assistant coach, they will continue to lean on each other for support and forge ahead, honoring Milojević's memory on and off the court.