The basketball neighborhood is rallying round Toronto Raptors participant RJ Barrett … after it was revealed his brother, Nathan, lately handed away.

Nathan’s former youth basketball coach, Chris Stewart, confirmed the tragic information on Thursday … saying the athlete was particular to this system.

“Nathan was solely with us for a short while in grade 7 earlier than he moved to Florida however each time he was again in Mississauga the boys linked,” Stewart mentioned.

“No mum or dad ought to ever should bury a toddler, hug your children right now a bit longer. You may be missed Nathan, RIP ”

Particulars surrounding his loss of life haven’t been revealed at the moment.

Nathan — a 6-foot-1 guard — performed at Montverde Academy, identical to RJ. He had desires of changing into a pilot.

“In my household, we’re very aggressive,” RJ instructed SLAM in 2018. “Everyone seems to be at all times making an attempt to beat one another. Everyone seems to be an athlete, in order that’s the place I get all my aggressive drive.”

RJ spent one season at Duke College earlier than going third total within the 2019 NBA Draft. He performed for the Knicks till he was traded to the Raptors in December.

Barrett — who didn’t play in Wednesday’s recreation in opposition to the Detroit Pistons — has been dominated out of Friday evening’s contest in opposition to the Orlando Magic … and understandably, it’s unclear when he’ll return to the court docket.

RIP