RJ Barrett is the son of a Canadian basketball legend and the godson of NBA icon Steve Nash.
But the Toronto Raptors star, which is mourn death of his younger brother Nathanbecame a hero himself in his home country.
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Barrett, born in Toronto, was immersed in basketball from a young age, with his father Rowan, a longtime professional in Europe and the current general manager of Canada Basketball.
Rowan was close friends with a teammate of Nash on the Canadian basketball team, with the Phoenix Suns legend becoming Barrett’s godfather.
Barrett was inspired by Nash’s exploits with the Suns to become an NBA star in his own right.
“I remember seeing him play in the playoffs, they were playing against the Lakers,” Barrett told Andscape.
“And, man, from that day on, I definitely said to myself, ‘I really want to be here.’ This is how I want to play.
“And just [Nash] encouraging me to grow was awesome.
After playing in Canada and on the AAU circuit, Barrett joined Montverde Academy in Florida, where he became ESPN’s No. 1 high school basketball player in 2018.
Barrett then established himself on the national scene playing alongside Zion Williamson at Duke in 2018-19.
After one season at Duke, Barrett was selected No. 3 in the 2019 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks.
Barrett hasn’t lived up to expectations in his 4½ seasons with the Knicks.
But he put up solid numbers, averaging 18.1 points and 5.3 rebounds in 297 games and two playoff appearances.
“I helped build something in New York” Barrett told Andscape.
“When I got there, we weren’t good. I left it much better than when I started.
“It’s really bittersweet, but I’m happy for those guys over there…
“I grew up as a player and a person there in New York. These 4 and a half years, I will never forget.
Barrett is now back in Canada to play for the Raptors after a successful trade in December.
He’s averaging 19.5 points and 5.3 rebounds per game and scored an impressive 37 points in just his fourth game with the Raptors against the Warriors of the Golden State in January.
“I’ve felt good since the first game, personally and offensively,” Barrett said.
“I feel like I played really well.”
Barrett will now look to add to her growing legacy in her home country at Paris 2024 Olympics this summer.
“I try to let kids know that you can be successful coming from Canada and the area I come from,” Barrett said.
“Like the guys before me, who watched Tristan [Thompson]Cory,… Wiggs, you can get to the NBA.
“For me to reach the NBA and come home to play is special to me. I hope all the kids see that…
“I want to show everyone how happy I am to be here and help us win. This is the main objective.
