SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The NBA community is still in shock and mourning following the sudden and tragic passing of Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojević. The 42-year-old coach suffered a heart attack during a private team dinner on Tuesday in Salt Lake City. The news of Milojević’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from players and coaches throughout the league. However, it was Warriors center Kevon Looney who broke his silence on Friday night to express his grief and pay tribute to his “brother” and coach.
In an emotional Instagram post, Looney shared a series of five photos along with a heartfelt message honoring Milojević. The assistant coach had played an instrumental role in Looney’s development and had worked closely with him in recent years.
Milojević had an impressive 14-year international playing career before joining the Warriors as an assistant coach three seasons ago. He had played for teams in Serbia, Spain, and Turkey. After retiring, Milojević became the head coach of the Serbian team Mega Vizura. His expertise caught the attention of the Golden State Warriors, who hired him as an assistant coach. Initially assigned to work with James Wiseman, Milojević later shifted his focus to Looney due to Wiseman’s injuries.
Under Milojević’s guidance, Looney experienced significant improvement in his rebounding skills. In his first six NBA seasons, Looney averaged 4.0 rebounds per game in just 15 minutes of play. However, in the 2021-2022 season, the same year Milojević joined the coaching staff, Looney’s rebounding average increased to 7.3 rebounds per game. This improvement continued into the playoffs, where Looney averaged 7.6 rebounds per game during the Warriors’ championship run.
The impact of Milojević on Looney went beyond the basketball court. Their bond extended beyond the game, and it is evident that Looney has not only lost a coach but also a close friend. The Golden State Warriors organization and fans also express their gratitude for the positive influence Milojević had on Looney and the team.
The NBA community continues to mourn the loss of Dejan Milojević, a beloved figure in the basketball world. His sudden passing serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the impact one person can have on the lives of others. The Warriors, in particular, will always remember Milojević as a dedicated professional and a caring mentor who helped shape the careers of many players. His legacy will continue to be honored both on and off the court.