Toronto Raptors guard RJ Barrett is breaking his silence on his little brother’s death … saying Nathan‘s passing is “a lot tougher” than any other loss he’s experienced in his life.
The NBA player was emotional when he spoke about his late 19-year-old brother with reporters at Friday’s practice … his first time rejoining the Raptors since the family tragedy.
“I’ve had some people in my life, but this one hit a little harder for me,” Barrett said.
“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.”
The Barrett family released a statement earlier this month … saying Nathan was surrounded by family members and loved ones at the time of his death, although additional details have not been made public.
Nathan was also an athlete — he followed in his brother’s footsteps by playing basketball at Montverde Academy. However, he changed course and was pursuing a career as a pilot.
“If I know my brother, he would want me to be here, to be playing,” Barrett added, “to try to continue to make the Barrett legacy grow.”
Barrett — who was traded to the Raptors in December — has not played since March 11 … and will make his return to the court against the 76ers on Sunday.