RJ Barret opens up about his brother's passing: "I still call him sometimes"

The NBA family was struck by tragedy a few weeks ago when it was informed that Nathan Barrett, RJ Barrett's younger brother passed away. Recently, RJ shared with the media his feelings and how he views basketball as his sanctuary in a difficult moment like this.

RJ's career took a turn this year, after he was traded to his hometown team, the Toronto Raptors, after being drafted by the New York Knicks back in 2019 and playing his whole career in the Big City.

His return to Toronto was viewed as a very good move for him, allowing him to be close to his relatives and play for the team he always cheered as a youngster.

His brother's sudden death was obviously a major hit for Barrett, but being near his family and in the city he grew up surely have been factors to help him go through this difficult times.

"Basketball is like my sanctuary, it brings me peace. I like being around my teammates," said RJ.

"I’ve had some people in my life pass, but this one hit a little harder for me," he said of Nathan's death. "This one is definitely a little different, it’s a lot tougher, and I just think that you’ve gotta push forward every day, gotta be able to try to figure it out."

"You know, he was my best friend," Barrett said of his late brother on Friday. "I’m always missing him. I still text him. I still call him sometimes, but yeah, just a tough time, but I’m thankful for just all the support from everybody. And, you know, definitely the Raptors, being able to give me that time, and just welcoming me back."

"If I know my brother, he would want me to be here, to be playing, to try to continue to make the Barrett legacy grow," he concluded.

Great testament of RJ Barrett's toughness and will to try to move on, endure and overcome this challenging situation. A wonderful example for anyone out there who has struggled with the passing of a loved one.