MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - The Memphis Grizzlies open a new season Wednesday night at FedExForum against the Utah Jazz, a game that will feature a pregame tribute to former Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke.
Clarke, who played his entire seven-year NBA career with the Grizzlies, died earlier this year at his home in California. The Grizzlies will hold a moment of silence and a pregame ceremony in his honor before the season opener. The team is also wearing a patch with Clarke’s initials on its jerseys this season.
Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey (14) plays in the second half of a preseason NBA basketball...
Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey (14) plays in the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Jazz forward Jaren Jackson Jr., a former Grizzly and one of Clarke’s best friends, returns to Memphis for the game. The two were teammates from 2019 to 2026.
Grizzlies guard Cam Spencer said the tribute would be emotional for the team.
“Yeah, it’ll be emotional for sure. You know I don’t know if it’s a sign, but having Jaren come back--obviously he was very close with Brandon, so I think that’ll be a cool thing for him,” Spencer said. “Obviously will be an emotional start to the game, but coach talked about it--we’re gonna play our hearts out for Brandon, as he would want us to. Every time Brandon stepped on the floor, he gave it everything he had, and just want to honor him in that way.”
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