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Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

RJ Barrett On The Passing Of His Younger Brother Nathan: 'I Still Text Him. I Still Call Him Sometimes.'

Originally posted on Fadeaway World | By Vishwesha Kumar | Last updated 3/30/24

RJ Barrett, the Toronto Raptors forward, recently opened up about the passing of his younger brother, Nathan Barrett, shedding light on his emotional journey through this challenging time. Nathan's sudden death deeply impacted RJ, who described him as his best friend and confessed to still texting and calling him occasionally.

"It's a hard time for sure. He was my best friend. Always missing him. I still text him. I still call him sometimes. I don't know why. It's a tough time, but I'm thankful for all the support from everybody. Definitely, the Raptors, being able to give me that time and welcoming me back."

"Even the organization was able to attend the funeral and stuff, so a lot of support. It means a lot to me, it means a lot to my family, and like I said I'm very grateful for this organization. Glad to be back around basketball. I love basketball, so it's kind of my sanctuary."

"You come here, come to an environment where everyone wants to get better. Everyone loves basketball here, so that helps."

"And then also just getting a workout in getting the sweat and just coming here where the only thing that matters is you know getting better playing basketball winning basketball games you know that's just something that just you know you're able to compete kind of just take your mind off things for a little while."

"So this actually brings me peace. It helps me every day to be here and also just be on a schedule and just be around the guys. I mean, you know, hang out with your teammates like that's funny. You know, like they're funny."

You get to hang out with them. We get to go, you know, practice and just even support the guys like when I'm not playing. Just whatever it is, just be around has been helping me a lot. You know, I've had some people in my life, you know, pass. But I think this one, this one hit a little harder for me."

"So yeah, this one is definitely a little different. So it's a lot tougher. And I just think that you've got to push forward every day. You got to be able to try to figure it out. Because also, you know, I know my brother, he would want me to be here, to be playing, to try to just continue to make the Barrett legacy grow."

Basketball has become RJ's sanctuary amidst the grief, providing him with a sense of peace and comfort. Despite facing adversity, RJ has found solace in the game, leaning on his teammates and the Raptors organization for support.

The tragic loss of his brother occurred during a significant period in RJ's career, as he returned to his hometown team, the Toronto Raptors, after being traded from the New York Knicks. The move was seen as a positive step for RJ, allowing him to be close to his family and play for the team he grew up cheering for.

Nathan's passing undoubtedly hit RJ hard, as he expressed the profound impact it had on him. RJ acknowledged that while he has experienced loss before, this one felt particularly difficult to navigate. Nevertheless, he remains resilient, pushing forward each day and striving to honor his brother's memory.

Throughout this ordeal, RJ has received an outpouring of support from his teammates, the Raptors organization, and the basketball community at large. He expressed gratitude for the support he has received, emphasizing the importance of having a strong support system during difficult times.

Despite the pain of his loss, RJ remains determined to continue playing the game he loves. He believes that if his brother were here, he would want him to pursue his passion and continue to grow as a player.

As RJ prepares to return to the court, he carries with him the memory of his brother and the lessons they shared. Nathan's legacy lives on through RJ, who is inspired to honor him with his performance on the court and his resilience off it.

In sharing his story, RJ Barrett serves as a shining example of strength and perseverance in the face of adversity. His courage and resilience are a testament to the power of love and the human spirit, inspiring others to find hope and healing in challenging times.

This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission.

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