Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died at 29 in Sun Valley after a medical emergency Monday. Drug paraphernalia was found in the home and the incident is being investigated as a possible overdose.
*Brandon Clarke, a seven-year NBA veteran and Memphis Grizzlies forward, died Monday in the Sun Valley* neighborhood of the San Fernando Valley, law enforcement sources tell NBC Los Angeles. He was 29 years old. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a 911 call of a medical emergency shortly after 5 p.m. on Monday. Paramedics arrived and declared Clarke dead.
Drug paraphernalia was found in the home. Authorities are investigating the incident as a possible overdose. An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause and manner of Clarke's death, according to NBC4 Investigates.
Clarke was recently arrested in Arkansas on charges including speeding and possession of a controlled substance, NBC News reports. His arrest affidavit obtained by The Memphis Commercial Appeal says he allegedly led deputies on a miles-long chase on April 1 with speeds reaching over 100 miles per hour. He was found with over 230 grams of kratom in his possession.
Clarke played all seven seasons of his NBA career with the Grizzlies after being drafted 21st overall in 2019. He made the All-Rookie First Team in 2020 and averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds over 309 career games, per NBC Los Angeles. This past season, he played just two games in December due to various injuries.
The Grizzlies issued a statement on Tuesday: "We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke. Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an ever better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten. We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time."
Clarke's agency Priority Sports confirmed the news and released its own statement: "We are beyond devastated by the passing of Brandon Clarke. 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."
Clarke was born on Sept. 19, 1996 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He was the No. 21 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Gonzaga. He enjoyed initial success in the league, earning all-rookie honors while averaging a career-high 12.1 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, per USA Today. Clarke signed a four-year, $50 million contract extension with Memphis in 2022.
Clarke was among many basketball players who had an interest in music. He released a handful of songs under the name BCVS, rapping over a variety of beats from trap to ethereal, per USA Today. The bio for his music Instagram page said "Multiple albums otw" and he said in multiple posts that making music was therapeutic for him.
Grizzlies teammate Ja Morant was heartbroken to hear the news. Morant paid tribute to Clarke on social media after the news broke, USA Today reports.
This article was generated with AI assistance.