NBA guard RJ Barrett recently opened up about the death of his 19-year-old brother, Nathan Barrett. Nathan, who passed away earlier this month, was described by RJ as his best friend. Despite his brother’s death, RJ expressed that he still calls and send messages to Nathan, stating that it’s a tough time but he is thankful for the support he has received from everyone, especially the Toronto Raptors who have been understanding and supportive during this difficult time.
RJ Barrett admitted that while he has had support from people in his life, Nathan’s passing has hit him especially hard. He emphasized the importance of pushing forward and trying to figure things out each day. RJ believes that his brother would want him to continue playing basketball and carry on the Barrett legacy. The cause of Nathan’s death has not been disclosed, and the Barrett family released a statement expressing their devastation and memories of Nathan, describing him as a God-fearing young man with strong character, thoughtfulness, kindness, and ambition.
Nathan Barrett was following in his older brother’s footsteps by playing high school basketball in Florida and aspiring to become a pilot. RJ had previously mentioned how Nathan was growing up quickly and taking after him in both basketball skills and shoe size. RJ was drafted third overall in 2019 and is currently averaging 20.8 points and 6.2 rebounds per game with the Toronto Raptors this season. Despite the challenges he is facing, RJ is focused on honoring his brother’s memory and continuing to pursue his basketball career.
The Barrett family’s statement, released through the Raptors and Canada Basketball, highlighted Nathan’s admirable qualities and the impact he had on those around him. Nathan was described as compassionate, creative, and driven, embodying traits that made him well-loved by those who knew him. RJ’s emotional response to his brother’s passing reflects the deep bond they shared and the profound loss he is experiencing. Despite the pain of losing his best friend and brother, RJ is determined to move forward and honor Nathan’s memory in his own journey as a professional basketball player.
As RJ works through his grief and navigates this challenging time, he acknowledges the importance of the support system he has around him, including the Raptors organization and his fans. Both on and off the court, RJ is focused on continuing to grow and make his mark in the NBA, fueled by the memory of his brother and the legacy they shared. While the details surrounding Nathan’s death remain private, RJ’s willingness to speak out and share his feelings demonstrates his strength and resilience in the face of adversity. HttpURLConnections.xaml
