Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke was found dead Monday at a Los Angeles area home at age 29, with drug paraphernalia discovered at the scene by emergency responders according to sources familiar with the investigation.

Seven-Year NBA Career Cut Short

Clarke, the 21st overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft out of Gonzaga, spent his entire seven-year professional career with the Grizzlies after Oklahoma City traded his rights on draft night. The forward averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds across 309 career games, finishing fourth in Rookie of the Year voting in 2020 behind teammate Ja Morant. In the 2021-22 season, Clarke placed 11th in Sixth Man of the Year balloting, cementing his role as a valuable contributor off the bench.

Teams and League React

The Grizzlies released a statement calling the loss tragic and heartbreaking. The organization praised Clarke as an outstanding teammate and exceptional person whose impact extended beyond basketball into the greater Memphis community. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed devastation at the news, describing Clarke as a beloved teammate and leader who played with enormous passion and grit. His agents at Priority Sports wrote they were beyond devastated, calling him the gentlest soul who was always first to support friends and family.

College Success at Gonzaga

Before reaching the NBA, Clarke transferred to Gonzaga after starting at San Jose State, averaging 16.9 points in his single season with the Bulldogs. He played alongside current Lakers forward Rui Hachimura on a Gonzaga team that finished 33-4, becoming one of the program’s greatest squads. Coach Mark Few remembered Clarke’s kind and gentle soul, recalling his constant smile and easygoing nature. Few described him as one of the most easygoing players in program history, whose warmth left lasting impressions on everyone around him.