Brandon Clarke, a forward for the Memphis Grizzlies, was discovered deceased on Monday at a Los Angeles residence. The NBA team, his agency Priority Sports, and the league confirmed the news on Tuesday.
The precise circumstances and cause of Clarke's death remain unrevealed, with neither the Grizzlies nor his agency providing further details.
He had been in his seventh NBA season, all spent with Memphis, averaging 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds across 309 games. Injuries had significantly limited his playing time in recent years, with only two appearances this past season in December. Clarke also traveled with the team to London in January for their game against the Orlando Magic.
The Vancouver-born player, a dual citizen of Canada and the USA, was a first-round draft pick in 2019 and was named to the NBA's All-Rookie First Team in 2020. His college career included a notable season at Gonzaga, where he led the Bulldogs to the NCAA tournament regional final.
Reports indicate Clarke had a legal incident in Arkansas last month, involving charges of speeding and possession of a controlled substance. He was reportedly released on bond the following day.
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NBA Commissioner Adam Silver offered his sympathies to Clarke's family, friends, and the Grizzlies organization. Tributes have poured in from across the basketball world, with many remembering Clarke for his "warm, kind spirit," "gentlest soul," and the "immense joy" he brought to the game and those around him.
