“Praying for RJ Barrett and His Family”: Tragic Demise Has Former Celtics Star Offering Condolences

The NBA community is mourning the tragedy that recently struck one of its own members. On March 12, 23-year-old NBA star RJ Barrett lost his younger brother, Nathan. From his previous franchise, the New York Knicks, to his current team, the Toronto Raptors, everyone has extended their condolences and support. Ex-Boston Celtics star Isaiah Thomas has also expressed grief over the loss of a young life.

“Praying for RJ Barrett and his family during this tough time,” Thomas posted on X. Nathan Barrett was 4 years younger than his 23-year-old brother RJ. So far, no official information has been received from the Barrett family about the cause of the death of the 19-year-old. However, as per some reports, Nathan had fallen ill a few weeks back before his sudden demise.

Nathan was in school, studying to be a pilot after graduating from Montverde Academy in Florida. A statement from the family has mentioned that they are taking time to grieve in private. So, official information may soon be provided by them on the cause of the death.

“While our family is devastated by this great loss, we will continue to cherish the memories and time spent together,” the Barrett family said in the statement. “Nathan was a God-fearing young man of strong character. He was thoughtful, kind, loving, compassionate, creative, admirable, and driven,” read the statement. Like his brother, Nathan played basketball too.

Read More: “RIP.. Prayers Out to Barrett Family”: Fans Shook by Passing of Younger Brother of Raptors’ RJ Barrett

“He’s growing up way too fast. Every time I see him he’s getting taller, he’s like starting to wear my shoes now and stuff, so it’s crazy. He’s more a point guard, but he’s really aggressive,” RJ told The New York Post in 2023. While RJ went on to play for Duke after graduating from Montverde Academy, Nathan chose flight school.

RJ and the Barrett family are getting much-needed moral and emotional support from his franchise.

Toronto Raptors stands strong with RJ Barrett

The Raptors prayed tribute to the departed soul in their recent game against the Orlando Magic. The team observed a moment of silence to honor Nathan before tipoff. Notably, RJ did not play against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday after he lost his brother on Tuesday. He was also ruled out for the team’s game against the Magic on Friday.

Earlier, the Raptors’ head coach, Darko Rajković, stated that the team is there for RJ with anything that he needs. “(We’re) just making sure that everybody knows that we are here for (all the players), that we’re gonna help you in any way possible. The worst thing for anybody in that case is just to shut down and get in your own world,” he said recently while speaking to media personnel. The coach has encouraged RJ to reach out for any kind of help and just have conversations if he can.

Read More: Tom Thibodeau Mourns ex-Knicks Star RJ Barrett’s Younger Brother After Sudden Demise