The NBA world is in mourning after the news of Brandon Clarke’s death was announced by the team on Tuesday, May 12. The Memphis Grizzlies forward’s demise has come at a controversial juncture, as he was earlier arrested for owning 230 grams of kratom, a controlled substance.
Who was Brandon Clarke and what happened to him?
Brandon Clarke, from Vancouver, Canada, was picked 21st overall in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, he was immediately traded to the Grizzlies and had a standout debut season, averaging 12.1 points and 5.9 rebounds. He earned All-Rookie honors and finished fourth in the Rookie of the Year rankings.
Clarke’s family shifted to the US when he was a child, and he gave back a lot to the Memphis community by aiding children’s education. The 29-year-old is survived by his mother, Whitney Triplett, and stepfather Bryan Triplett. His biological father was reportedly Jamaican.
Even though he played off the bench for the majority of his career, Clarke was an integral part of the Grizzlies franchise. The team statement mentioned that they “are heartbroken by the tragic loss” of the forward. Although his death has come under mysterious circumstances, the cause of the death has not yet been announced.
On April 1, Clarke led Cross County Sheriff’s Office deputies on a long chase at over 100 mph. He was found possessing kratom, a herbal extract drawn from a tree that is grown mainly in Southeast Asia. It reportedly reduces pain and anxiety at higher doses, but is sold as a Schedule 1 controlled substance, as it’s banned in some states.
ESPN insider Shams Charania shared the news on X and wrote:
“Brandon Clarke of the Memphis Grizzlies has died at 29 years old. RIP.”
Players and the NBA world are shocked by the sudden news. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also issued a statement after the sad update.
NBA Commissioner issues official statement
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued an official statement on X after the sad demise of Brandon Clarke. The statement read:
“We’re 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 passion and grit. Our thoughts and sympathies are with Brandon’s family, friends, and the Grizzlies organization.”
Brandon Clarke played with the Grizzlies franchise for seven years, but his career was derailed by recurring injuries. He suffered a season-ending ACL tear in March 2023 and was limited to just six games the next season. He shot 60.5% from the field in his career, which shows the kind of talent he possessed.
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