Golden State Warriors

1:17 PM -- El comisionado de la NBA, Adam Silver, acaba de abordar la tragedia diciendo: "La NBA lamenta el repentino fallecimiento del entrenador asistente de Golden State, Dejan Milojević, un querido colega y querido amigo de tantos en la comunidad mundial del baloncesto".

"Además de ganar el Campeonato de la NBA 2022 en su primera temporada con los Warriors y ser mentor de algunos de los mejores jugadores del mundo, Dejan tuvo una carrera internacional como jugador condecorado y fue un distinguido entrenador en jefe en su Serbia natal".

"Nuestras más sinceras condolencias a su esposa, Natasa, a sus hijos, Nikola y Masa, y a la organización de los Warriors durante este trágico momento".

El entrenador asistente de los Golden State Warriors y exjugador profesional de baloncesto Dejan Milojević ha fallecido. Tenía tan solo 46 años de edad.

Milojević sufrió un ataque al corazón durante la cena en un restaurante de Salt Lake City el martes, y a pesar de los esfuerzos por salvarle la vida, falleció trágicamente a última hora de la tarde del miércoles, según reveló el equipo en un comunicado.

Los Warriors estaban en Utah para enfrentarse a los Jazz en un juego que estaba programado para la noche del miércoles, pero desde entonces ha sido pospuesto.

El ala-pívot serbio no fue elegido en el Draft de la NBA de 1999, pero tuvo una carrera estelar en Europa, ganando tres veces consecutivas el MVP de la Liga ABA.

También ganó el título de anotador de la ABA en temporadas consecutivas.

La carrera como jugador de Milojević terminó en 2009 y encontró el éxito dirigiendo el banquillo de organizaciones en Serbia y Montenegro antes de unirse a los Warriors en 2021. Entrenó a varios futuros jugadores de la NBA, más notablemente al dos veces MVP de la NBA Nikola Jokic.

También pasó un tiempo como entrenador asistente de la selección nacional de Serbia.

Milojević se centró en ayudar a los hombres grandes en el Golden Gate Staff... y ganó un campeonato cuando los Warriors vencieron a los Boston Celtics en las Finales de la NBA de 2022.

El entrenador en jefe de los Warriors, Steve Kerr, emitió un comunicado sobre el fallecimiento de Milojević, diciendo que toda la organización está "devastada".

"Este es un golpe impactante y trágico para todos los asociados a los Warriors y es un momento increíblemente difícil para su familia, amigos y todos los que tuvimos el increíble placer de trabajar con él", dijo Kerr.

"Además de ser un magnífico entrenador de baloncesto, Dejan era uno de los seres humanos más positivos y hermosos que he conocido, alguien que aportaba alegría y cada día con su pasión y energía".

9:03 AM -- The NBA just announced Wednesday night's Warriors vs. Jazz has been postponed in wake of Dejan Milojević's medical emergency.

A makeup date has not yet been announced.

Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojević was reportedly hospitalized Tuesday night after he suffered a serious medical emergency while out at a restaurant in Utah.

The incident, according to ESPN, happened while Milojević and other Golden State players and coaches were dining out in Salt Lake City ... some 24 hours before their Wednesday night game against the Jazz.

Further details surrounding the 46-year-old's status were not made immediately available.

Milojević became a part of Steve Kerr's staff in 2021 ... after he built up an impressive coaching resume overseas. He played pro ball Serbia, Turkey, Spain and Montenegro ... and was a star on the Serbian national team.

3:28 PM -- Grizzlies fans made their feelings toward Draymond known as he made his way to the court ... letting the boo birds fly as he checked into the game with just over 6 minutes left in the first quarter.

The jeers didn't seem to faze Green one bit ... as he nailed a three-pointer shortly after entering the game.

Draymond Green is officially back -- the Golden State Warriors star is expected to play against the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday ... his first game following his indefinite suspension.

The Dubs announced the four-time champion was listed as "active" for the road matchup just minutes ago ... sharing the news with a clip of Green dunking during pregame warmups.

Green will come off the bench for Golden State ... and the squad is undoubtedly hoping he provides a spark, as they're currently 18-21 and sit toward the bottom of the Western Conference.

Dubs head coach Steve Kerr pointed out Green hasn't played in a while ... which may result in limited minutes in his first game back.

"It will mostly be based on how he's feeling and how that unit is doing while he's out there," he told reporters before the game. "We'll just see how it goes."

Of course, Green hasn't played since his punishment for hitting Phoenix Suns player Jusuf Nurkic on Dec. 12 ... and during his time away from the hardwood, he sought counseling and focused on his life away from basketball.

Green previously revealed he contemplated walking away from his pro career during his suspension ... but commissioner Adam Silver talked him out of it.

John Salley vehemently disagrees with the NBA's decision to hit Draymond Green with an indefinite ban this month ... telling TMZ Sports the suspension was a complete overreaction.

The four-time NBA champion said this week he's in favor of sidelining Green for smacking Jusuf Nurkic during the Warriors vs. Suns game on Dec. 12 ... but he thinks the indefinite part of the punishment is simply taking things too far.

"You can have a conversation, give him a certain amount of games for him to simmer down and have intelligent conversations with him," Salley said of Green. "But to get rid of him indefinitely, I think that is a bigger thing."

Salley told us he loves Draymond's playing style -- which makes sense ... considering the 6-foot-11 former center was a part of the '80s/'90s "Bad Boys" Pistons squads -- and he clearly believes Green hasn't done much wrong to warrant the latest suspension.

"I would take Draymond Green every day and twice on Sunday," he said.

In fact, Salley told us the guy would've been a perfect fit on his old Detroit teams.

"I hope Draymond comes back and I love his play," Salley said. "And I know he wears a Bad Boy T-shirt under his uniform."

Draymond Green will reportedly miss at least the next nine-or-so Warriors games ... this after beginning counseling following his second suspension of the 2023-24 NBA season.

The Golden State star has been barred from the hardwood since Dec. 13, after he hit Jusuf Nurkic in the head in a heated moment during the Dubs' Dec. 12 game against Phoenix -- and according to The Athletic's Shams Charania, the ban will now go through at least the early part of January.

Charania reported Monday morning Green has begun getting professional help while sidelined ... adding that the 33-year-old forward "has been understanding and prepared to undergo the process required to return to the team in a full capacity."

Green has yet to issue a public statement on the suspension ... though his head coach, Steve Kerr, said last week the ban "makes sense."

"The one who choked Rudy [Gobert], the one who took a wild flail at Jusuf [Nurkic], the one who punched Jordan [Poole] last year -- that's the guy who has to change," Kerr said.

"You look at the past year and what's happened," the coach continued, "it's clear he needs the opportunity to change."

Steve Kerr apparently sees no issues with the NBA's choice to hit Draymond Green with an indefinite ban this week ... saying Thursday his star player's recent behavior just needs to change.

The Warriors head coach opened up on the suspension that Adam Silver levied on his star player earlier this week -- and he made it clear, he's in favor of the lengthy timeout.

"The one who choked Rudy [Gobert], the one who took a wild flail at Jusuf [Nurkic], the one who punched Jordan [Poole] last year -- that's the guy who has to change," Kerr said.

"You look at the past year and what's happened," the coach continued, "it's clear he needs the opportunity to change."

Kerr explained to media members that for much of Green's career, he's not had issues with the power forward ... saying he believes most of Draymond's outbursts prior to 2022 included tolerable yelling at refs or innocuous ball throwing.

However, Kerr said the behavior he's displayed in the last year -- which most recently included taking a swipe at Jusuf Nurkic's face during an altercation in Tuesday night's Warriors vs. Suns game -- just cannot continue.

"To me, this is about more than basketball," Kerr said. "It's about helping Draymond. I think it's an opportunity for Draymond to step away and to make a change in his approach and his life."

Draymond Green would be breathing a lot easier today if Shaquille O'Neal were running the NBA ... 'cause the Lakers legend says he'd only suspend DG two games if league punishments were up to him.

O'Neal made the declaration while speaking with Babcock and Charles on "TMZ Live" on Thursday -- less than 24 hours after Green was banned by Adam Silver indefinitely for smacking Jusuf Nurkic in the head during an altercation in the Warriors vs. Suns game.

Shaq says he believes Green had no bad intentions when he flailed his right arm into Nurkic's face -- explaining he's buying the Warriors star's explanation that he was simply trying to sell a call.

"I don't think Draymond said, 'Hey, I'm going to punch this guy just 'cause he's pulling my jersey,'" Shaq said.

The Diesel went on to tell the guys that he believes the play was merely a flop gone wrong.

Of course, Silver and the NBA apparently disagree ... because they've banned Green from suiting up for Golden State for the foreseeable future.

Draymond Green is getting help amid his suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct ... a practice he's quite familiar with, as he previously discussed his emotional struggles in a sit-down with self-help guru Deepak Chopra.

The Golden State Warriors star is reportedly seeking counseling after striking Jusuf Nurkic in the face during Tuesday's matchup against the Phoenix Suns ... with the NBA stating he must meet certain conditions before rejoining his team.

While Draymond said after the game the whole incident was just an accident, the Association clearly felt otherwise ... making his punishment indefinite to allow him to "take the time he might need to deal with challenges he’s facing," according to Adrian Wojnarowski.

As we previously reported, Green acknowledged his on-court rage in the Prime Video show, "The Sessions," last year ... where he explained how rage is "100%" part of his identity as a player.

"I go on the floor and no matter what, no matter who gets in the way, it's coming out. But, it's emotionally draining," Green said in the session with Chopra.

Green said he has always had a chip on his shoulder en route to the NBA ... but even after finding success as a pro, he never let his "I'm not supposed to be here" mentality go.

Chopra told the four-time champion there's nothing wrong with anger, as it can be a release for him -- just like laughter or sleep.

But hostility, he continued, is more about seeking revenge or "getting even" ... which is much more dangerous.

While Draymond appeared to pick up what Chopra was putting down, it didn't put a stop to his on-court issues -- not only did he hit Nurkic in the face, but he also choked Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert earlier this season, which led to a suspension.

Draymond Green is going to be away from the Golden State Warriors for a while ... the NBA hit him with an indefinite suspension after he smacked one of his opponents in the face.

The NBA says Draymond's "repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts" is playing into his indefinite suspension.

Draymond was ejected from Tuesday's game against the Phoenix Suns ... when he got way too physical with Jusuf Nurkic, whacking him in the head with a hard right hand during a scrap in the third quarter. Draymond was hit with a flagrant foul 2 and booted from the game.

It's the second suspension for Draymond already this NBA season ... he was hit with a 5-game ban just last month after putting Minnesota Timberwolves star center Rudy Gobert in a chokehold.

The NBA says Draymond's suspension will begin immediately -- the Warriors play the Clippers Thursday night -- and "he will be required to meet certain league and team conditions" before being reinstated.

Draymond is expected to meet Thursday with Warriors brass and his agent Rich Paul to discuss counseling ... according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

NBA fans are calling for yet another suspension for Draymond Green ... this time after the Warriors superstar was ejected for whacking one of his opponents in the face with a hard right hand.

The incident happened in the third quarter of Golden State's game against the Suns in Phoenix on Tuesday ... when Green appeared to be trying to back down Jusuf Nurkic during an inbounds play.

As Green attempted to shimmy his way into the paint, Nurkic provided some resistance -- and in response, Draymond spun around, flailed his arms and made contact with the Suns center's head.

Nurkic immediately crumpled in pain -- and a short time later, Green was hit with a flagrant foul 2 and tossed from the action.

The ejection was the third for Green this season -- and the second one since he was given the boot for putting Rudy Gobert in a chokehold during the Warriors' game against the Timberwolves last month.

Following Tuesday night's latest incident, Green told media members he didn't mean to hit Nurkic -- and apologized for his actions.

"As you know, I am not one to apologize for things I mean to do, but I do apologize to Jusuf because I didn't intend to hit him," Green said after the game. "I sell calls with my arms. I don't fall to sell a call. I'm not a flopper. So I was just selling the call 'cause he was grabbing me and pulling my hip back. So, I spun away and unfortunately I hit him."

Nurkic, meanwhile, wasn't pleased with the play -- though he was at least able to crack a bit of a smile about it all with media members following the game.

"Personally, I feel like that brother needs help," Nurkic said. "I'm glad he didn't try to choke me."

As you know, Green has been suspended multiple times in his career for similar acts -- including a five-game ban in November for the way he put his hands on Gobert.

Most expect a suspension to be handed down sooner than later for the Nurkic play too -- it just remains to be seen how many contests Green will be forced to sit out.

Shaquille O'Neal se niega a criticar a Draymond Green por su papel en una salvaje pelea a principios de esta semana, diciéndole a TMZ Sports: "¡¡Yo hubiera hecho lo mismo!!"

Todo el mundo se fue en contra de la estrella de los Warriors después de que pusiera fuertemente su brazo alrededor del cuello de Rudy Gobert y no lo dejara ir en una pelea de los Golden State y Minnesota el martes por la noche. Pero cuando llegamos a su evento de caridad en Los Ángeles el jueves, dijo que simplemente no podía sumarse a la mayoría.

En cuanto al porqué, Shaq dijo que es simple: "Tienes que dar la cara por tu compañero de equipo".

"Si tú y yo estamos teniendo una entrevista y alguien viene aquí", dijo Shaq a nuestro fotógrafo, "voy a tener que patearle el culo. Porque tú eres mi chica".

Por supuesto, el entrenador de los Warriors, Steve Kerr, no estuvo exactamente de acuerdo con Shaq en esto. Aunque apreció el hecho de que Green estuviera defendiendo a Klay Thompson durante la pelea, le dijo a los periodistas que el alero de los Dubs llevó las cosas demasiado lejos.

"Draymond se equivocó", dijo Kerr. "Él lo sabe. No se ve bien".

Shaquille O'Neal is refusing to criticize Draymond Green for his role in a wild fight earlier this week ... telling TMZ Sports straight up, "I woulda did the same thing!!"

Everyone's piled on the Warriors star after he put Rudy Gobert in a chokehold and wouldn't let go during a tussle at Tuesday night's Golden State vs. Minnesota game ... but when we got The Diesel at his charity event in Los Angeles on Thursday, he said he just couldn't join the masses on this one.

As for why ... Shaq said it's simple -- "you've got to stick up for your teammate."

"If me and you are having an interview and somebody comes here," Shaq told our photog, "I'm going to have to whoop their ass. Because you're my homegirl."

Of course, Warriors coach Steve Kerr wouldn't exactly agree with Shaq on this one ... while he said he appreciated the fact that Green was defending Klay Thompson during the scuffle, he told reporters this week the Dubs forward just took things way too far.

"Draymond was wrong," Kerr said. "He knows that. It's a bad look."

Steve Kerr made it clear he's pissed at Draymond Green for choking Rudy Gobert earlier this week ... calling the Golden State star's actions "inexcusable."

The Warriors head coach didn't hold back when talking about Green's role in Tuesday night's on-court fight just before the Dubs' game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday ... explaining to reporters he didn't find Green's actions appropriate.

"He took it too far," Kerr said. "Draymond was wrong. He knows that. It's a bad look."

Kerr added that the five-game ban that Draymond received for putting his arms around Gobert's neck and refusing to let go during the Dubs' loss to the Timberwolves was "deserved."

"It was a terrible visual for the league," Kerr said, "for Draymond and for everybody."

Initially, Kerr seemed to have Green's back following the brawl ... saying Tuesday night he thought his player did what was needed to protect Klay Thompson. In some ways, Kerr stood by that stance a bit on Thursday, telling media members he "had no problem" with Green getting Gobert off Thompson ... but "he's got to let go."

"He hung on for like six, seven seconds," Kerr said.

Without Green on Thursday night, the Warriors got blown out by the Thunder, 128-109.

5:52 PM PT -- The NBA is punishing Draymond Green for his putting Rudy Gobert in a chokehold ... hitting DG with a 5-game suspension.

In announcing the suspension Wednesday, the NBA says ... "The length of the suspension is based in part on Green's history of unsportsmanlike acts."

Draymond will reportedly miss out on $769,970 in salary with the unpaid suspension ... and he's being fined $25,000.

Meanwhile, Rudy is being docked $25K ... as are Klay Thompson and Jaden McDaniels.

Draymond Green has found himself in hot water for putting his hands on someone once again.

This time, the Warriors superstar was ejected from Golden State's game against the Timberwolves on Tuesday night ... because he locked Rudy Gobert in a chokehold.

The MMA move happened just seconds into the Dubs' contest with Minnesota at the Chase Center in San Francisco ... just after Klay Thompson got tangled up with Jaden McDaniels.

The two NBA stars swung each other around right in the middle of the court ... and in an effort to break it all up, guys from both teams raced in.

But, when Green got to the fracas, he appeared to escalate things further by wrapping his arm around Gobert's neck -- and refusing to let go ... this despite repeated pleas from head coach Steve Kerr.

Eventually, Green did drop Gobert ... but refs still decided to throw him out of the game for the act -- as well as Thompson and McDaniels.

After the game -- which the Warriors ended up losing -- Gobert blasted Green for it all ... calling the Golden State star's actions "clown behavior."

"It's kind of funny because before the game, I was telling myself that Steph [Curry] is not playing, so I know Draymond is going to try and get ejected," Gobert said. "Because every time Steph doesn't play, he doesn't want to play -- it's his guy Steph. He'll do anything he can to get ejected."

Gobert then called for punishment for Green.

"I do hope that the league is going to do what needs to be done because that’s just clown behavior," Gobert said. "Not much to say. It’s clown behavior."

Of course, Green is no stranger to these situations ... he's been ejected for physical altercations several times over his career -- and, perhaps most famously, he was fined by his own team last year for getting violent with teammate Jordan Poole during a preseason practice.

We covered it all on the latest episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.

Draymond Green reportedly avoided Jordan Poole like the plague after their infamous practice altercation last year -- the Golden State Warriors star allegedly refused to make amends with his teammate, despite head coach Steve Kerr's attempts.

The details of the fallout between the two sides were laid out in an article on the Ringer ... claiming Green never spoke with Poole following the October 2022 incident, but was willing to sing like a bird about it with the media.

In fact, the feature states Kerr tried to step in and get the two to go to dinner to bury the hatchet ... but Green wasn't down.

As we previously reported, both Green and Poole have spoken about their status in the past ... with the former calling it a "work in progress."

Ultimately, those close to Poole believe the Dubs suffered on the court as a result of their severed relationship ... leading to an early exit from the playoffs.

Unlike Joe Budden, Cam’ron’s not completely retired from rapping after adopting a career in podcasting, and he’s taking a baton passed by J. Cole and running with it for his own track.

On Monday, Cam expanded on Cole’s shoutout from Lil Yachty’s track “The Secret Recipe”
where Cole saluted the Diplomats rapper with the line, "I prolly put more n****s on pause than Cam and Mason Beth.”

Later on his verse, the Harlem rapper-turned-sportscaster plugged his show while taking aim at future HOF Chris Paul jumping to the Golden State Warriors ... "Say what I want, 'It Is What It Is'/Don't care who take offense/Like Chris Paul, y'all, on Golden State, it don't make no sense/Unless he 2nd unit, when the game start, he play the bench."

Steven A. Smith recently cast doubts on CP3's ability with the Dubs, but Cam and his cohost Ma$e are disrupting the world of sports commentary from a different angle -- they can professionally rap their hot takes!!!

The track eventually bleeds into a preview of Cam's upcoming Halloween-themed video, "Get Mine Regardless" where he dons a Freddy Krueger getup to slash home his point.

At 38 years old, even Chris wouldn't argue he's past his prime, but his immeasurable experience could surely prove valuable to GS' 2024 championship hopes.