Memphis Grizzlies forward and Desert Vista High School alum Brandon Clarke has died at the age of 29, his agency posted on social media.
The Grizzlies also released a statement.
“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,” the statement read. “We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
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His cause of death is not publicly known.
“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke,” 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.”
Clarke, who graduated from Desert Vista High School in Phoenix before college stops at San Jose State (2015-17) and Gonzaga (2018-19), was the 21st overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
He was then traded to the Grizzlies, where he started 50 of 309 games played across seven seasons. He averaged 10.2 points on 60.5% shooting and 26.6% from deep. He added 5.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game.
Injuries had been an issue for Clarke in recent seasons, with the forward appearing in just two games (two starts) for Memphis last year due to a knee injury.
He only appeared in six games (one start) two seasons prior due to a torn Achilles.
The news of Clarke’s death comes after he was arrested on April 1 for speeding and possession of a controlled substance.
Tyler Drake
Tyler Drake Cardinals reporter and ArizonaSports.com editor
Born and raised in Kelseyville, California, I spent most of my summers growing up in Arizona. There were a lot of trips to Globe and the East Valley. Once out of high school, I attended the University of Arizona with a major in natural resources… Read more