Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojevi?‡ tragically passed away on Wednesday morning after suffering a heart attack the previous night. The news was confirmed by the team's PR social media account, which posted an update at 12:24 p.m. expressing their devastation. Head Coach Steve Kerr also released a statement expressing his shock and sadness over the loss. He described Milojevi?‡ as a positive and beautiful human being who brought joy and light to every day with his passion and energy. Kerr extended his condolences to Milojevi?‡'s wife, Natasa, and their children, Nikola and Masa, acknowledging the unfathomable loss they are experiencing.

The seriousness of Milojevi?‡'s condition led to the postponement of the Warriors' game against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday. The NBA made the decision to prioritize the well-being of the players and staff, rescheduling the game for a later date. The league did not immediately announce when the game would be played.

Initially, the Warriors did not disclose the nature of the medical emergency that Milojevi?‡ experienced during a private team dinner. However, numerous media outlets, particularly in Serbia, reported that it was a cardiac-related matter. Milojevi?‡, who was 46 years old, had a decorated career as both a player and coach. He had previously coached in Serbia and Montenegro and served as an assistant coach for the Serbian national team. He also had NBA experience through Summer League stints with the Atlanta Hawks, San Antonio Spurs, and Houston Rockets.

Milojevi?‡'s impact extended beyond the basketball court. He mentored several NBA players, including two-time MVP Nikola Joki?‡, Ivica Zubac, Goga Bitadze, and Boban Marjanovi?‡. His coaching abilities and positive presence were highly regarded by those who worked with him. The NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver, expressed his condolences, describing Milojevi?‡ as a beloved colleague and dear friend to many in the global basketball community.

Milojevi?‡'s journey to the Warriors began when Kerr learned about him from Kent Lacob, the son of the team's owner. Kerr was immediately impressed by Milojevi?‡'s basketball background and his positive energy, leading him to pursue him for a coaching position. Milojevi?‡ eventually accepted the offer, and his presence on the team was greatly appreciated.

Before joining the Warriors, Milojevi?‡ had a successful playing career, winning three consecutive MVP awards in the Adriatic League. He was known for his scoring abilities, with legendary stories of him scoring 141 points as a 14-year-old. Milojevi?‡ believed in the importance of loving the game and enjoying it, emphasizing that sincere love for basketball leads to success.

Tributes poured in from around the basketball world following Milojevi?‡'s passing. The Spanish club Valencia, where he spent two seasons, expressed their support for his family during this difficult time. Dylan Ennis, a former player who was coached by Milojevi?‡, described him as not only a basketball master but also an amazing human being who will be deeply missed.

The rescheduled date for the Warriors' game against the Jazz has not yet been announced. The focus for now is on honoring Milojevi?‡'s memory and supporting his family and loved ones through this tragic loss.