NBA world mourns Grizzlies’ Brandon Clarke after sudden passing
Clarke was 29 years old.
The NBA was dealt a tragic blow Tuesday. Brandon Clarke, forward for the Memphis Grizzlies , died at the age of 29. Clarke was a 2019 first round pick by Memphis and key presence as an off-the-bench wing.
He helped the Grizzlies gel into a contender, averaging more than 12 points per game in the team's 2022 run to the Western Conference semifinals. He had missed all but two games of the 2025-2026 season due to injury. NBA commissioner Adam Silver reacted to the news, saying league officials were "devastated" by the seven-year veteran's passing.
“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke. As one of the longest-tenured members of the Grizzlies, Brandon was a beloved teammate and leader who played the game with enormous pride and grit," Silver said in a statement released Tuesday afternoon . “Our thoughts and sympathies are with Brandon’s family, friends, and the Grizzlies organization.
” As news of Clarke's death rippled through NBA circles, current players and veterans as well as writers and reporters took to social media to express their condolences and share memories of the talented wing. Man 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 up to Brandon Clarke family. NBA is a brother hood 🙏🏾🙏🏾 damn — Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) May 12, 2026 Damn man.