The basketball community is rallying around the Toronto Raptors player Barreto RJ … after his brother was revealed, Nathanpassed away recently.
Nathan’s former youth basketball coach, Chris Stewartconfirmed this Thursday’s tragic news… saying that the athlete was special to the program.
“Nathan was with us for a short time in Grade 7 before moving to Florida, but whenever he came back to Mississauga the boys connected,” Stewart said.
“No parent should have to bury a child, hug your children a little more today. We will miss you Nathan, RIP ❤️🏀🙏🕊️”
Details about his death have not been revealed at this time.
Nathan – a 6-foot-1 guard – played at Montverde Academy, as did RJ. He dreamed of becoming a pilot.
“In my family we are very competitive,” said RJ TO KNOCK in 2018. “Everyone is always trying to beat each other. Everyone is an athlete, so that’s where I get all my competitive drive.”
RJ spent one season at Duke University before being taken third overall in the 2019 NBA Draft. He played for the Knicks until he was traded to the Raptors in December.
Barrett — who did not play in Wednesday’s game against the Detroit Pistons — was ruled out of Friday night’s game against the Orlando Magic … and, understandably, it’s unclear when he will return to the court.
TO TEAR APART