NBA world pays tribute to Brandon Clarke after Grizzlies player's death
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has died, the team and his sports agency announced Tuesday. He was 29 years old.

Clarke, who was selected in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft after a decorated collegiate career at San Jose State and Gonzaga, played seven years for the Grizzlies. He earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors in 2020 and averaged 20.8 minutes per game over 309 games in the NBA.

His last three seasons were largely impacted by injuries, but he was a crucial part of a Memphis roster that made multiple postseason appearances.

pic.twitter.com/9ecZSZKLcJ

— Priority Sports (@PrioritySports) May 12, 2026
Brandon Clarke's death: NBA world with tributes and reactions

Here is what his agency, Priority Sports, announced:

“We are all 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 and teammates. From high school to San Jose State to Gonzaga to the Grizzlies, Brandon impacted everyone everyone who was part of his life.

Everyone loved BC because he was always there as the most supportive friend you could ever imagine. He was so unique in the joy he brought to all of those in his life. It’s just impossible to put into words how much he’ll be missed.

We love you, BC.”

Priority Sports added that the family "asks for privacy as they grieve and make arrangements" following this tragic news.

pic.twitter.com/RvDXJCxlWQ

— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) May 12, 2026

The Grizzlies also released a statement:

"We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke. Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even 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 played his entire NBA career with the Grizzlies.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke. pic.twitter.com/QujShDyGir

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 12, 2026

NBA commissioner Adam Silver made a statement as well:

"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 passion and grit. Our thoughts and sympathies are with Brandon’s family, friends and the Grizzlies organization."

Other players around the league mourned the loss, too:

Damn! This Hurts my Heart! Rest In Paradise Brandon Clarke 🙏🏾 https://t.co/lmeje3fwx7

— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) May 12, 2026

Man 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 up to Brandon Clarke family. NBA is a brother hood 🙏🏾🙏🏾 damn

— Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) May 12, 2026

This is heartbreaking news. I had the pleasure of getting to know Brandon as classmates at Gonzaga and always had the loveliest interactions with him. My thoughts are with his friends and family. https://t.co/m8enZBZLHR

— Kendra Andrews (@kendra__andrews) May 12, 2026


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