RJ Barrett shares a heartfelt statement regarding his brother’s death.

After his younger brother Nathan Barrett’s untimely death, Toronto Raptors wing RJ Barrett talked to reporters for the first time on Friday.

One day following the Raptors’ game against the Denver Nuggets on March 11, Nathan passed away on March 12. Since then, RJ has not played.

Though it’s unknown when exactly the Raptors swingman will return to the starting lineup, he is back with the club. After working out with the team on Friday, RJ opened up to the media about his feelings.

It’s undoubtedly a difficult moment, RJ informed reporters. “My best friend was him.” I miss him all the time. I’m still messaging him. I don’t know why, but I still talk to him occasionally. However, I appreciate everyone’s support, especially that of the Raptors.

“Dude, he was the best.” He got everything else, but I got basketball. He was capable of anything he set his mind to.”

RJ claimed that he has benefited much from being among his colleagues once more. The former Duke student continued by saying that his brother would have likely wanted him to go back to the court and carry on the Barrett family tradition.

Like his elder brother, Nathan was a student at Florida’s esteemed Montverde Academy. The six foot one guard was training to be a pilot.

It was not disclosed what caused the death. Prior to his passing, Nathan was reportedly unwell for several weeks.