NBA guard RJ Barrett recently opened up about the passing of his 19-year-old brother Nathan Barrett. RJ described Nathan as his best friend and shared that he still texts and calls him, even though he is no longer with us. Nathan, who was following in his brother’s footsteps by playing high school basketball and studying to be a pilot, tragically passed away earlier this month. RJ expressed gratitude for the support he has received from his team, the Toronto Raptors, during this difficult time.
Despite the pain of losing his brother, RJ Barrett remains focused on continuing to play basketball and honoring Nathan’s memory. He believes that Nathan would want him to keep playing and growing the Barrett legacy through his accomplishments on the court. While the cause of Nathan’s death has not been revealed, the Barrett family released a statement expressing their devastation and emphasizing Nathan’s positive qualities, describing him as a God-fearing young man with strong character who was loved by all who knew him.
RJ Barrett recalled fond memories of his time spent with Nathan and reflected on their relationship, highlighting Nathan’s growth and talent on the basketball court. Nathan was noted for his aggressive play style as a point guard and was already wearing RJ’s shoes due to his rapid growth. The Barrett family continues to mourn their loss but find comfort in the memories and moments shared with Nathan. The tragedy has hit RJ harder than previous losses, but he remains determined to push forward and navigate this difficult time with the support of loved ones and his team.
The Toronto Raptors and Canada Basketball released a joint statement on behalf of the Barrett family, expressing their sorrow at Nathan’s passing and emphasizing his admirable qualities. Nathan’s passing has left a void in the lives of those who knew him, but his memory will be cherished and his legacy will live on through the impact he made during his short time on earth. RJ Barrett, who was drafted third overall in 2019, is currently playing for the Raptors and is averaging impressive statistics in the current season, despite the emotional challenges he is facing off the court.
RJ Barrett credits the support of his team and the basketball community for helping him navigate the grieving process following his brother’s passing. He emphasizes the importance of pushing forward and finding ways to honor Nathan’s memory in his daily life, both on and off the basketball court. As RJ continues to process his loss and find ways to cope with the tragedy, he remains grateful for the outpouring of love and support he has received from fans, teammates, and the entire NBA community during this difficult time. Nathan Barrett’s memory will live on through the impact he had on those around him and the love he shared with his family and friends.
