NBA shaken: Brandon Clarke died at age 29

The NBA is reeling from the death of Brandon Clarke at age 29. The longtime Memphis Grizzlies wing, who had been stationary for some time due to ongoing physical problems, passed away last Monday, but only today did his club release the news of his death.

“We are heartbroken over the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke. Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the Memphis organization and community will not be forgotten. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones at this difficult time,” is the team’s communication on its various social profiles.

Clarke, a wing-center from Memphis, had been playing for the Grizzlies since 2019, the year he was selected with the No. 21 call in the first round of the drafts. After his first four good seasons, several injuries had limited his career, so much so that he had only been on the court in 72 games in the last three years.

Born in Vancouver but with U.S. citizenship, he grew up basketball with the Spartans and Gonzaga Bulldogs before moving to the NBA in 2019.