NBA Community mourns loos of Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke
The Memphis Grizzlies confirmed the passing of Brandon Clarke in an official statement, expressing that they are heartbroken by the loss of the Canadian forward.
No immediate cause of death has been announced by the organization or local authorities following the news on Tuesday. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement saying the league is "devastated," praising Clarke as a leader who played with enormous passion and grit.
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Clarke was selected 21st overall in the 2019 NBA Draft and spent his entire professional career with the Grizzlies after being traded to Memphis on draft night. The forward earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors in 2020 after a standout debut season where he averaged 12.1 points and 5.9 rebounds.
Injuries to his knee and calf limited Clarke’s participation recently, as he was able to make only two appearances during the 2025-26 season. Prior to his professional career, Clarke was a standout college player, competing for San Jose State and Gonzaga, where he emerged as a top forward in 2018-19.
Authorities noted that Clarke was arrested last month in Arkansas on several charges, including possession and trafficking of a controlled substance and fleeing in a vehicle.
