Steve Kerr has heartbreaking message on death of Dejan Milojević

Jan 18, 2020; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr stands on the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Orlando Magic at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

The Golden State Warriors last week dealt with the death of assistant coach Dejan Milojević. Head coach Steve Kerr tried his best to put into words what the team has gone through.

Milojević died at the age of 46 after suffering a heart attack while the Warriors were having a private dinner in Salt Lake City, Utah. The NBA postponed the Golden State’s next two games following the tragic incident.

Kerr was asked about what the past week has been like for Warriors players and coaches alike. The 58-year-old head coach called it the “saddest thing” he’s ever experienced in the NBA.

“Heartbreaking. Devastating. It’s just the saddest thing I’ve ever been a part of in the NBA. We lose someone who’s so close to us. More importantly, seeing his family suffer. This last week has been … full of all of the above. The shock, the emotion, the extreme outpouring of love,” said Kerr.

Steve Kerr explained the “heartbreaking” and “devastating” past week since assistant coach Dejan Milojević’s death pic.twitter.com/kVXUnA60Hj

— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) January 22, 2024

Kerr added that he was able to speak to Milojević’s two children. While Kerr didn’t reveal what he told them, the Warriors coach said he empathized with them given that he also lost his father at a young age.

Steve Kerr said what he told Milojević’s 2 kids will remain private, but he said he lost his dad when he was 18 and knew exactly what they were feeling. “It’s kind of crazy but Friday was the 40th anniversary of my dad's death,” Kerr said. It was clear how fresh the emotion was.

— Kerith Burke (@KerithBurke) January 22, 2024

Milojević joined the Warriors in 2021 and was a part of the coaching staff that won a title in 2022. The 6’7″ Serb was a multi-time champion as a player in Europe. He also coached several players that went on to get drafted in the NBA — including countryman Nikola Jokic.