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Support is coming in from the NBA, Memphis Grizzlies and local community after news of Brandon Clarke's death.
Clarke, who died on May 11 at age 29, spent seven seasons with the Grizzlies after being drafted 21st overall in the 2019 NBA Draft. In that time, he became a well-known player who established connections in the league and Memphis community.
Some of Clarke's current and former teammates have began showing their support on social media.
Grizzlies wing Jaylen Wells, who spent the past two seasons as Clarke's teammate, shared a message on Instagram.
"Everything he's went through in the time I've been in Memphis he still came in with a smile on his face and was a light in the locker room, truly an inspiring person," Wells said. "Memphis won't be the same without you."
Former NBA forward Lamar Stevens spent parts of two seasons (2023-25) with the Grizzlies and Clarke.
"One of my favorite teammates and people ever," Stevens said. "Fly high king."
NBA commissioner Adam Silver issued a statement on Clarke's death.
“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke," he said. "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.”
National Basketball Players Association executive director Andre Iguodala and NBPA president Fred VanVleet issued a statement on behalf of the union.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic passing of our brother, Brandon Clarke," the statement read. "This is an incredible loss for the brotherhood. We will remember Brandon not only for the immense joy he brought to so many throughout his career, but for the genuine friendships he built far beyond basketball. Our deepest condolences go out to Brandon’s family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time.”
After seven seasons with the Grizzlies, Clarke was tied with Ja Morant as the longest tenured players on the current roster. Clarke played a major role in the team's lone playoff series win in that time.
The Grizzlies also issued a statement.
"We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke," the Grizzlies said. "Brandon was an outstanding teammate and 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."
Memphis Mayor Paul Young has publicly supported the Grizzlies and occasionally appeared at games. He shared his remarks on Clarke in a statement.
“Brandon Clarke represented everything this city loves: toughness, heart, humility, and resilience.," Young said. "He played the game with joy, and gave our community so much to be proud of both on and off the court. For so many Memphians, the Grizzlies are family. And Brandon was a part of that family. His impact reached far beyond basketball. Kids looked up to him. Fans believed in him. And this city embraced him fully.
"On behalf of the City of Memphis, I want to extend my deepest prayers and condolences to Brandon’s family, his teammates, the entire Grizzlies organization, and every fan hurting today."
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at [email protected]. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: NBA, Memphis Grizzlies react to Brandon Clarke's death
Continue reading...
Clarke, who died on May 11 at age 29, spent seven seasons with the Grizzlies after being drafted 21st overall in the 2019 NBA Draft. In that time, he became a well-known player who established connections in the league and Memphis community.
Some of Clarke's current and former teammates have began showing their support on social media.
Grizzlies wing Jaylen Wells, who spent the past two seasons as Clarke's teammate, shared a message on Instagram.
"Everything he's went through in the time I've been in Memphis he still came in with a smile on his face and was a light in the locker room, truly an inspiring person," Wells said. "Memphis won't be the same without you."
Former NBA forward Lamar Stevens spent parts of two seasons (2023-25) with the Grizzlies and Clarke.
"One of my favorite teammates and people ever," Stevens said. "Fly high king."
NBA, NBPA issue statements
NBA commissioner Adam Silver issued a statement on Clarke's death.
“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke," he said. "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.”
National Basketball Players Association executive director Andre Iguodala and NBPA president Fred VanVleet issued a statement on behalf of the union.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic passing of our brother, Brandon Clarke," the statement read. "This is an incredible loss for the brotherhood. We will remember Brandon not only for the immense joy he brought to so many throughout his career, but for the genuine friendships he built far beyond basketball. Our deepest condolences go out to Brandon’s family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time.”
What Memphis Grizzlies said
After seven seasons with the Grizzlies, Clarke was tied with Ja Morant as the longest tenured players on the current roster. Clarke played a major role in the team's lone playoff series win in that time.
The Grizzlies also issued a statement.
"We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke," the Grizzlies said. "Brandon was an outstanding teammate and 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."
Memphis Mayor Paul Young issues statement
Memphis Mayor Paul Young has publicly supported the Grizzlies and occasionally appeared at games. He shared his remarks on Clarke in a statement.
“Brandon Clarke represented everything this city loves: toughness, heart, humility, and resilience.," Young said. "He played the game with joy, and gave our community so much to be proud of both on and off the court. For so many Memphians, the Grizzlies are family. And Brandon was a part of that family. His impact reached far beyond basketball. Kids looked up to him. Fans believed in him. And this city embraced him fully.
"On behalf of the City of Memphis, I want to extend my deepest prayers and condolences to Brandon’s family, his teammates, the entire Grizzlies organization, and every fan hurting today."
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at [email protected]. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: NBA, Memphis Grizzlies react to Brandon Clarke's death
Continue reading...
