Brandon Clarke, the power forward for the Memphis Grizzlies, tragically passed away on Monday at the age of 29, TMZ Sports has confirmed. His death is currently under investigation as a possible overdose.
Clarke, who was originally selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the 21st overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, was immediately traded to the Grizzlies.
This season, Clarke was limited to only two games due to a significant calf strain he sustained in March.
Over the course of his 7-year NBA career, Clarke played in 309 games, averaging 10.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists.
In his first year, Clarke made an immediate impact, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie team.
Born in Vancouver, Clarke played college basketball first at San Jose State before transferring to Gonzaga in 2017. After sitting out a year, he helped lead the Zags to a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, where they were ultimately eliminated in the Elite 8.
During his time at Gonzaga, Clarke averaged 16.9 points per game and was named to the Associated Press and Sporting News All-American teams.
Earlier this year, Clarke was arrested in Arkansas following a high-speed chase with law enforcement. He was charged with possession and trafficking of a controlled substance, as well as fleeing. The case was still open at the time of his death.
Clarke’s sports agency, Priority Sports, released a statement expressing deep sadness over his passing. “We are all beyond devastated by the passing of Brandon Clarke. He was so loved by all of us here, and everyone whose life he touched. He was the gentlest soul who was the first to be there for all of his friends and family.”
The statement continued, “Our hearts are so broken as we think about his mom, Whitney, his entire family, and all of his friends and teammates. From high school to San Jose State to Gonzaga to the Grizzlies, Brandon impacted everyone who was part of his life.”
“Everyone loved BC because he was always there as the most supportive friend you could ever imagine. He was so unique in the joy he brought to all of those in his life. It’s just impossible to put into words how much he’ll be missed. We love you, BC.”
The Memphis Grizzlies also shared their sorrow on social media, writing, “We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke. Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten. We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Rest in peace, Brandon Clarke.
