Nigeria: Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke dies at 29
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
The Memphis Grizzlies and the wider basketball community are mourning the death of forward Brandon Clarke, who died at the age of 29.
“We are beyond devastated by the passing of Brandon Clarke,” the agency said. “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. From high school to San Jose State to Gonzaga to the Grizzlies, Brandon impacted everyone who was part of his life.”
According to NBC News, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a medical emergency shortly after 5 p.m. local time at a home in the San Fernando Valley. Clarke was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
The Memphis Grizzlies released a statement calling Clarke “an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten.”
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke,” the team said. “We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke,” Silver said. “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. Our thoughts and sympathies are with Brandon’s family, friends and the Grizzlies organization.
Born in Vancouver, Clarke moved to the United States with his family as a child. He played college basketball at San Jose State and later at Gonzaga, where he gained national attention for his athleticism and versatility.
He was selected 21st overall in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder but was traded to Memphis on draft night. Clarke quickly became a key rotation player for the Grizzlies, earning NBA All-Rookie honors in his first season. In 2022, he signed a four-year contract extension with the team.
Injuries impacted the latter part of his career. He suffered a torn Achilles tendon in March 2023 and underwent knee surgery that kept him sidelined for much of the past season.
Off the court, Clarke was known for his commitment to community service in Memphis. To mark his 29th birthday, he donated books and educational resources to a local elementary school.
“Every time I talk to kids, I try to get that in their minds that school is important, teachers are important and grades matter,” Clarke told the _Memphis Commercial Appeal_. “I couldn’t have made it here without locking in on reading, writing and all of that stuff.
