Grizzlies Forward Brandon Clarke Dies at 29

Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has died at the age of 29, the NBA team confirmed.

The player, born in Canada, was a first-round draft pick in 2019. He appeared in only two games this season because of injuries.

The Grizzlies said they are heartbroken by the loss. A cause of death has not been revealed.

"Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten," the team said in a statement.

Clarke played 309 NBA games, including 50 starts. He averaged 10.2 points per game.

He was arrested in Arkansas last month on charges that included speeding and possession of a controlled substance.

Clarke was born in Vancouver and held dual citizenship in Canada and the United States. His family moved to Phoenix when he was three.

After playing college basketball at San Jose State and Gonzaga, he was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder and traded to the Grizzlies soon after.

His two games this season came in December. He traveled to the United Kingdom in January for the Grizzlies' win over the Orlando Magic in London.

"He was so loved by all of us here and everyone whose life he touched," read a statement from his agency, Priority Sports.

"He was the gentlest soul who was the first to be there for all of his friends and family."

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement: "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."