Raptors forward RJ Barrett spoke out for the first time since the March 12 death of his younger brother, Nathan Barrett.
“You know he was my best friend,” Barrett said of his 19-year-old brother at Toronto’s Friday practice — his first with the team since Nathan’s passing. “I’m always missing him. I still text him.
“I still call them 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.”
The former Knicks star explained that he’s been going through a difficult time.
“I’ve had some people in my life, but this one hit a little harder for me,” he said. “This one is definitely a little different, it’s a lot tougher, and I just think that you’ve gotta push forward everyday, gotta be able to try to figure it out.
“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.”
The Barrett family confirmed Nathan’s death in a statement released by the Raptors and Canada Basketball, which did not disclose a cause, though it was reported he had been ill for weeks.
Their father, Rowan Barrett, is Canada Basketball’s general manager.
“While our family is devastated by this great loss, we will continue to cherish the memories and time spent together,” the statement said. “Nathan was a God-fearing young man of strong character. He was thoughtful, kind, loving, compassionate, creative, admirable and driven.”
Nathan, a 6-foot-1 guard, played high school basketball at Montverde Academy in Florida and was studying to be a pilot.
“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,” RJ told The Post’s Steve Serby in June of 2023. “He’s more a point guard, but he’s really aggressive.”
Prior to his absence, Barrett, the No. 3 overall pick by the New York Knicks in the 2019 NBA draft, averaged 19.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game.
The Knicks traded the Toronto-born Barrett to the Raptors in December.