Grizzlies Forward Brandon Clarke Dies at 29

Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has died, the team announced Tuesday. He was 29.

"We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke," the team's statement read on X. "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."

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement on Clarke's passing.

"We are devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke," Silver said. "As one of the longest-tenured members of the Grizzlies, Brandon was a beloved teammate and leader who played the game with enormous passion and grit. Our thoughts and sympathies are with Brandon’s family, friends and the Grizzlies organization."

The Oklahoma City Thunder selected Clarke in the first round of the 2019 NBA draft. His rights went to the Grizzlies in a trade for the rights to Darius Bazley and a future second-round pick.

Clarke made an immediate mark with Memphis. He earned MVP honors in the 2019 NBA Summer League, becoming the second non-American to win the award. The Vancouver native spent seven years with the Grizzlies, mostly coming off the bench.

Clarke faced a tough season. He appeared in just two games after right knee surgery. A right calf strain sidelined him for most of the year. The Grizzlies said in March that he was still in rehab, but recent tests showed he needed more time. He was expected to return next season.

Clarke ran into legal issues in April. Police arrested him in Arkansas on charges including speeding and possession of a controlled substance. He was booked into Cross County Jail on counts of improper passing, possession of a controlled substance, fleeing, exceeding the speed limit and trafficking a controlled substance.

Clarke starred at Gonzaga in college. In his rookie season with Memphis, he made the 2019-20 All-Rookie team while averaging 12.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game off the bench.

Over 309 career games, Clarke averaged 20.8 minutes, 10.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists per contest.