Dejan Milojevic, Beloved Warriors Assistant and Nikola Jokic’s Mentor, Dies at 46
A Legacy of Basketball Excellence Cut Short
The basketball world is mourning the tragic loss of Dejan Milojevic, the Golden State Warriors assistant coach who passed away at the young age of 46 due to a sudden heart attack. The Serbian coach, affectionately known as “Decky,” was not just a respected figure in the NBA but also a pivotal mentor in the development of Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic.
Milojevic’s Profound Impact on Jokic’s Career
Milojevic’s influence on Jokic’s basketball journey cannot be overstated. He coached the young Serbian center at the Serbian club Mega Basket before and after the Nuggets drafted him in 2014. Under Milojevic’s guidance, Jokic blossomed into one of the league’s most dominant big men, earning two MVP awards and leading the Nuggets to the Western Conference Finals in 2020.
Tributes Pour In from Across the NBA
The news of Milojevic’s untimely passing sent shockwaves through the NBA community. Players, coaches, and fans alike took to social media to express their condolences and share their fond memories of the beloved coach. Nuggets coach Michael Malone, who received a message of support from Warriors coach Steve Kerr, shared the sentiments with Jokic, emphasizing the love and pride Milojevic had for him. Malone also encouraged Jokic to carry on Milojevic’s legacy both on and off the court.
NBA Postpones Warriors Games, Nuggets Offer Support
The impact of Milojevic’s untimely death was evident as the NBA postponed Golden State’s games against the Utah Jazz and Dallas Mavericks this week. Malone reiterated the Nuggets’ statement of support for Milojevic’s family, as well as the Warriors players and coaches. While Jokic did not speak to the media, he attended the Nuggets’ practice ahead of their matchup with the Boston Celtics on Friday.
Nuggets Aim to Break Celtics’ Home-Court Streak
As the Nuggets prepare to face the Celtics, they are also aiming to break the Celtics’ intimidating home-court streak. Boston holds a perfect 20-0 record at TD Garden this season, and the Nuggets’ last victory there came in March 2019. Malone emphasized the importance of limiting Boston’s 3-point shooting, an area where the Nuggets struggled in their recent loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. However, the Celtics may be short-handed, with starting center Kristaps Porzingis and starting point guard Derrick White listed as questionable due to injuries.
Malone Excited for Challenge Against Celtics
Despite the challenge, Malone expressed his excitement about competing against one of the best teams in the league. He praised the Celtics’ talent and their ability to play the game the right way. The Nuggets will look to snap Boston’s home-court streak and continue their pursuit of a playoff berth in a highly competitive Western Conference.
Conclusion: A Tragic Loss for the Basketball World
The passing of Dejan Milojevic is a tragic loss for the basketball world. His impact on the game, particularly on the development of Nikola Jokic, will be felt for years to come. The outpouring of support from the NBA community is a testament to the high esteem in which Milojevic was held. As the Nuggets prepare to face the Celtics, they will carry the memory of their beloved assistant coach with them, determined to honor his legacy with a strong performance.