Brandon Clarke — power forward for the Memphis Grizzlies — died on Monday, TMZ Sports has learned. He was only 29 years old.
His passing is being investigated as a possible overdose.
Clarke was the 21st overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder, and immediately traded to Memphis.
Clarke was limited to only two games this season after suffering a significant calf strain in March.
Brandon played 7 seasons in the NBA, averaging 10.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists over 309 games in The Association.
As a first-year pro, he was named to the NBA’s All-Rookie team.
Clarke — born in Vancouver — played college basketball at San Jose State before transferring to Gonzaga in 2017.
After sitting out a year, he played for the Zags, helping to lead Mark Few’s squad to a deep run in the NCAA Tourney, ultimately losing in the Elite 8.
Clarke averaged 16.9 PPG in Spokane and was named to the Associated Press and Sporting News All-American teams.
Last month, Clarke was arrested in Arkansas after allegedly leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase, before being taken into custody.
He was charged with possession and trafficking a controlled substance, and fleeing.
The case was still open when Clarke passed away.
Brandon’s sports agency, Priority Sports, released a statement on his passing, saying, “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.
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.”
The statement continued … “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 Grizzlies also reacted to the horrible news on social media, saying, “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.
