Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke dead at 29

Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died, his agency announced. He was 29.

Clarke’s agency, Priority Sports, confirmed the news in a social-media post Tuesday. The agency’s full post read:

“We are 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. 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 friends 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 Grizzlies also released a statement Tuesday confirming Clarke’s death.

Priority Sports and the Grizzlies did not announce Clarke’s cause of death. Clarke, along with Ja Morant, was the longest tenured player on the Grizzlies.

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Brandon Clarke spent all seven NBA seasons with Grizzlies

Clarke — who was selected by the Grizzlies with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft — spent his entire NBA career with the franchise. He showed promise in his first season, averaging 12.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and finishing fourth in the Rookie of the Year voting.

While Clarke never developed into a full-time starter, he continued to show strong development off the bench, even earning a down-ballot vote for Sixth Man of the Year during the 2021-22 NBA season.

The team felt good enough about Clarke’s development that it signed him to a four-year, $52 million extension in 2022. But injuries quickly prevented Clarke from taking the court. His 2022-23 season ended prematurely after Clarke tore his left Achilles. He was limited to just six games the following season due to the injury.

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After seeing limited playing time and a career-low 8.3 points per game during the 2024-25 NBA season, Clarke…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/breaking-news/article/grizzlies-forward-brandon-clarke-dead-at-29-180450708.html

Author : Chris Cwik

Publish date : 2026-05-12 18:04:00

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