Memphis Grizzlies ahead Brandon Clarke has died on the age of 29, the NBA workforce mentioned on Tuesday.
No trigger of dying was instantly introduced.
“We’re heartbroken by the tragic lack of Brandon Clarke,” the Grizzlies mentioned in an announcement. “Brandon was an impressive teammate and a fair higher individual whose affect on the organisation and the higher Memphis neighborhood will not be forgotten.”
Clarke, a Canadian ahead born in Vancouver, was chosen twenty first total within the 2019 NBA Draft by Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder earlier than being traded to Memphis on draft night time. He spent his whole NBA profession with the Grizzlies and earned NBA All-Rookie First Workforce honours in 2020 after averaging 12.1 factors and 5.9 rebounds in his debut season.
Knee and calf accidents restricted him to simply two appearances throughout the 2025-26 season.
Earlier than coming into the NBA, Clarke performed school basketball at San Jose State and later at Gonzaga, the place he emerged as one of many prime forwards throughout the 2018-19 season.
Final month, Clarke was arrested in Arkansas on costs together with possession and trafficking of a managed substance, in addition to improper passing and fleeing in a automobile whereas dashing, in accordance to authorities.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver mentioned the league was “devastated” by Clarke’s dying, describing him as “a beloved teammate and chief who performed the sport with monumental ardour and grit”.
“Our ideas and sympathies are with Brandon’s household, pals and the Grizzlies organisation,” Silver added in an announcement.
Printed on Might 13, 2026