Nathan Tyler Barrett, former Knicks star and younger brother of current Raptor RJ Barrett, passed away on Tuesday, the Raptors and Basketball Association of Canada confirmed through a statement released on behalf of the Barrett family.
Nathan passed away surrounded by his family, church and friends, the statement said.
Details regarding his death have not been released.
“Our family is devastated by this great loss, but we will always cherish the memories and time we spent together,” the Barrett family said in a statement. “Nathan was a God-fearing young man of strong character. He was thoughtful, kind, loving, caring, creative, admirable, and driven.”
The family has asked for privacy at this time, but is “deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, support and prayers we have received.”
Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau spoke about Nathan’s death before Thursday’s game in Portland.
“Before I begin speaking on behalf of our organization, our team, I would like to send our deepest condolences to the Barrett family on the loss of their son Nathan, RJ’s younger brother,” he said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their entire family.”
Nathan works as a security guard at Montverde Academy and dreams of becoming a pilot. TMZ reported.
Barrett’s former youth coach, Chris Stewart, paid tribute to him in a post on his Instagram page.
“Nathan was only with us for a short time in seventh grade before moving to Florida, but the boys connected each time he returned to Mississauga,” he wrote. “Parents should never have to bury their children. Please hug them a little more today. We will miss you Nathan, rest in peace.”
RJ and Nathan Barrett are the sons of Canada Basketball general manager Rowan Barrett.
RJ, who was drafted third overall by the Knicks in 2019 and spent five seasons with the organization, did not play for the Raptors on Wednesday and is expected to miss Friday night’s game.
He was traded to the Raptors on December 30th as part of the deal that brought OG Anunoby to New York.
