Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke, a veteran of seven NBA seasons, died, his agency announced May 12. He was 29.
“We are all beyond devastated by the passing of Brandon Clarke,” the Priority Sports agency wrote on X. “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 everyone who was part of his life.
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“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”
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No cause of death has been reported. On April 1, Clarke was arrested in Arkansas for improper passing, possession of a controlled substance, fleeing and exceeding the speed limit, and trafficking a controlled substance.
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The 21st overall pick in 2019 out of Gonzaga, Clarke had signed a four-year, $50 million contract extension with the Grizzlies in 2022.
In his seven-year career, Clarke averaged 10.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 309 games.
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Clarke was named to the 2019-20 All-Rookie first team. He averaged a career-high 12.1 points and 5.9 points despite averaging only 22 minutes per game in a sixth man role for the Grizzlies. He finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting.
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More to come on this story