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[Saba Sports News] Toronto Raptors’ wing RJ Barrett addressed reporters on Friday, marking his first public appearance since the tragic passing of his younger brother, Nathan Barrett. Nathan passed away on March 12, just a day after the Raptors’ game against the Denver Nuggets on March 11. Since then, RJ has been absent from the court.
Although he has returned to practice with the team, his timeline for returning to the Raptors’ lineup remains uncertain. RJ opened up about his feelings during the media session, expressing the profound loss he feels for his brother. He described Nathan as his best friend and expressed gratitude for the support he has received, particularly from the Raptors.
RJ emphasized Nathan’s exceptional qualities, stating that while he excelled in basketball, Nathan was talented in various areas and could accomplish anything he set his mind to. RJ acknowledged the comfort he finds in being around his teammates again and believes his brother would have encouraged him to continue playing and uphold the Barrett family legacy.
Like RJ, Nathan also attended Montverde Academy in Florida and was studying to become a pilot. The exact cause of Nathan’s death was not disclosed, but it was reported that he had been unwell for several weeks leading up to his passing.