Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died Monday, at a Los Angeles home, with what is being reported as a possible overdose. He was 29.
Mr. Clarke was non-responsive when paramedics arrived at approximately 5:00 p.m. EST. He was transported to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The Grizzlies relased a bried staement, saying “We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke. Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on our organization and the greatest Memphis community will not be forgotten. We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
NBA commissioner Adam Silver released a statement, offering condolences and saying the league was "devastated" by the news. Clarke's agent team at Priority Sports called Mr. Clarke, "the gentlest soul who was the first to be there for all of his friends and family. Our hearts are so broken ..."
Mr. Clarke was arrested in Cross County, Arkansas, on April 1, 2026, on charges related to a high speed chase with police and possession of kratom, a schedule-one narcotic illegal in some states, but legal in others, including Tennessee — Cross County is a border county with Tennessee.
Mr. Clarke was the 19th-overall pick in 2019, out of Gonzaga, but the Thunder traded him to the Grizzlies on draft night. He was a valued bench player for the majority of his seven-year career, but leg injuries forced him to miss nearly all of the 2023 and 2025 seasons.
Over 309 career games, Mr. Clarke averaged 10.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists over 20.2 minutes per game.
My take: A real tragedy. So young. Clarke was a real pro's pro — accepting his role. His career numbers were very impressive considering his time on court. Rest In Peace.
THE ASYLUM
Grizzlies forward Clarke dies
Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died Monday, at a Los Angeles home, with what is being reported as a possible overdose. He was 29.
Mr. Clarke was non-responsive when paramedics arrived at approximately 5:00 p.m. EST. He was transported to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The Grizzlies relased a bried staement, saying “We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke. Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on our organization and the greatest Memphis community will not be forgotten. We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
NBA commissioner Adam Silver released a statement, offering condolences and saying the league was "devastated" by the news. Clarke's agent team at Priority Sports called Mr. Clarke, "the gentlest soul who was the first to be there for all of his friends and family. Our hearts are so broken ..."
Mr. Clarke was arrested in Cross County, Arkansas, on April 1, 2026, on charges related to a high speed chase with police and possession of kratom, a schedule-one narcotic illegal in some states, but legal in others, including Tennessee — Cross County is a border county with Tennessee.
Mr. Clarke was the 19th-overall pick in 2019, out of Gonzaga, but the Thunder traded him to the Grizzlies on draft night. He was a valued bench player for the majority of his seven-year career, but leg injuries forced him to miss nearly all of the 2023 and 2025 seasons.
Over 309 career games, Mr. Clarke averaged 10.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists over 20.2 minutes per game.
My take: A real tragedy. So young. Clarke was a real pro's pro — accepting his role. His career numbers were very impressive considering his time on court. Rest In Peace.
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