Drama in NBA as Golden State Warriors assistant coach dies suddenly

Drama in the NBA as Golden State Warriors' assistant coach Dejan Milojevic has died at just 46, as per BBC.

Milojevic began feeling unwell during a team dinner on Tuesday in Salt Lake City and suffered a heart attack.

He was rushed to a local hospital, but could not be saved and passed away.

The Golden State Warriors are shocked by Milojevic sudden death. "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," they wrote on X.

Picture credit: Golden State Warriors / X

"We grieve with and for his wife, Natasa, and their children, Nikola and Masa," the Warriors addded.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr (pictured) praised Milojevic's qualities as a coach and a human being. "In addition to being a terrific basketball coach, Dejan was one of the most positive and beautiful human beings I have ever known, someone who brought joy and light to every single day with his passion and energy," Kerr is quoted by Goldenstateofmind.com.

Compatriot Bogdan Bogdanovic (pictured), who plays for the Atlanta Hawks, was a close friend of Milojevic and deeply admired him. "He was a great player, but he never chased his career. He always wanted to live a family lifestyle with his kids in the good cities. He never chased money. I feel that's a great example for everyone," ESPN wrote.

Milojevic enjoyed a successful career as a power forward for Partizan Belgrade, Pamesa Valencia and Galatasaray, among others.

He was also part of the Yugoslav team that won the EuroBasket tournament in Turkey in 2001.

After his retirement, he took to coaching, passing through Mega Basket and Budućnost, before becoming the Warriors' assistant in 2021 and winning the NBA title in 2021. The Serbian will be dearly missed by the whole basketball community.

Picture credit: @FIBA / Instagram