Mandatory Photo Credit: © Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports / ©Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
TORONTO — The younger brother of former Knicks forward RJ Barrett died on Tuesday.
Nathan Tyler Barrett passed away while surrounded by family and friends, a statement released by the family said. Nathan was just 19 year old. No details have been released, but Nathan “felt ill and had been home for several weeks” before he died on Tuesday, according to Sportsnets Michael Grange.
The family asked the public for privacy at this time but “greatly appreciates the outpouring of love, support and prayers that we have been receiving.”
Nathan — a 6-foot-1 guard — played at Montverde Academy, just like RJ. He had dreams of becoming a pilot.
Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau opened up about Nathan’s death before Thursday’s game in Portland.
“Before we get started on behalf of our organization, our team, we’d like to send our heartfelt condolences to the Barrett family on the loss of their son, Nathan, RJ’s brother,” he said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to them, the entire family.”
RJ, who was drafted third overall by the Knicks in 2019 and spent parts of five seasons with the organization, did not play on Wednesday for the Raptors and is also expected to miss their game on Friday night.
