NBA star RJ Barrett speaks out for the first time since his younger brother’s death at the age of 19, admitting ‘this one hit a little harder’ and he’s still trying ‘to figure it out’

RJ Barrett has spoken out for the first time since his brother’s shocking death at the age of 19, admitting he is still trying to “figure it out”.

Nathan, four years younger than RJ, died earlier this month. It was later learned that he had “been sick and been home for several weeks” before his death from shock.

The cause of death of the teenager, who was training to be a pilot alongside his amateur basketball career, has not yet been revealed.

Barrett, who was traded to the Toronto Raptors from the New York Knicks in December, has not played since March 11. However, he is expected to return against the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday.

He rejoined the Raptors on Friday for the first time since the tragedy and spoke to reporters about how he is still coming to terms with the loss.

Nathan Barrett (R, pictured with his NBA star brother, RJ) was ill weeks before his death.

“I’ve had a few people in my life, but this one affected me a little bit more,” Barrett said.

“This one is definitely a little bit different, it’s a lot harder, and I think you have to keep going every day, you have to be able to try to figure it out.”

“If I knew my brother, he would want me to be here, to play, to try to continue to grow Barrett’s legacy.”

More to follow.