George Harris
Jan 19, 2024 - 03:05

Dejan Milojević's death impacts the NBA's Serbian players, says Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vučević

Nikola Vučević remembers Dejan Milojević for his positivity. The NBA postponed games to mourn Milojević's sudden death at age 46.

Nikola Vučević is mourning the loss of Dejan Milojević, who passed away at the age of 46 after suffering a heart attack during a team dinner in Salt Lake City. The NBA postponed the Golden State Warriors' games to allow the team time to mourn. Vučević, who met Milojević in 2021, remembers him for his positive energy and bright spirit, which left a lasting impact on the basketball community, especially in Serbia.

Milojević was a prominent figure in Serbian basketball, both as a player and a coach. As a player, he was a three-time MVP of the Adriatic Basketball Association and represented Serbia and Slovenia internationally, winning a gold medal at the 2001 EuroBasket tournament. Vučević described Milojević as a fierce competitor who outplayed taller opponents with his intelligence and effort on the court.

After retiring as a player, Milojević became a successful coach, mentoring players like Nikola Jokić and sending 11 players to the NBA draft during his time with Mega Vizura. His impact on Serbian basketball was felt deeply by many, including Vučević, who reached out to Jokić, Vasilije Micić, and Nikola Jović to offer his support.

Milojević's passing also affected the Chicago Bulls' game against the Toronto Raptors, as head coach Darko Rajaković, a longtime friend of Milojević, fought through tears to honor his memory. Rajaković described Milojević as a role model and someone he deeply admired, highlighting the impact that Milojević had on the NBA community.

The loss of Dejan Milojević has left a void in the basketball world, particularly in Serbia, where his legacy as a player, coach, and mentor will be remembered for years to come. His positive energy and competitive spirit have left a lasting impact on those who knew him, and his memory will continue to inspire future generations of Serbian basketball players.