Memphis Grizzlies ahead Brandon Clarke has died aged 29, his NBA staff has confirmed.
Clarke was a first-round NBA draft choose in 2019 however has solely performed two video games this season resulting from damage.
“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 Grizzlies stated in a press release.
“We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
His brokers, Precedence Sports activities, wrote on social media that they have been “beyond devastated” by Clarke’s demise.
“He was so loved by all of us here and everyone whose life he touched,” they stated.
“He was the gentlest soul who was the first to be there for all of his friends and family.”
Clarke was arrested April 1 in Arkansas for dashing and possession of a managed substance that was reportedly kratom, a natural complement promoted in its place ache treatment that’s authorized to own in Tennessee. He was launched on bond a day later.
He was the twenty first total pick of Gonzaga within the 2019 NBA draft by Oklahoma, which dealt his rights to the Grizzlies, who already took guard Ja Morant at No 2 total.
Clarke joined Morant on the NBA’s All-Rookie staff in 2020, and the Grizzlies gave him a multiyear contract extension in October 2022.
He tore his left Achilles tendon March 3, 2023, in a loss to the Denver Nuggets in a showdown of the highest two groups within the Western Convention. Accidents restricted him to 72 of a doable 246 video games over the previous three seasons, together with solely two this season.
Clarke averaged 10.2 factors and 5.5 rebounds over his seven seasons with the Grizzlies.
