Brandon Clarke, a forward for the Memphis Grizzlies, died on May 11, 2026, at the age of 29. He was found unresponsive at a home in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles; paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner later determined his death was accidental, caused by the effects of heroin and cocaine, with the combined effects of multiple prescription medications listed as a contributing condition.
This article looks back at Clarke’s life, his path to the NBA, his career with the Grizzlies, and the legacy he leaves behind.
Brandon Clarke — Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Brandon Clarke |
| Born | September 19, 1996 — Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
| Died | May 11, 2026 — Los Angeles, California |
| Nationality | Canadian–American |
| Profession | Professional basketball player |
| NBA Team | Memphis Grizzlies |
| Position | Power Forward |
| Height | 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) |
| Weight | Around 215 lbs (98 kg) |
| College | San Jose State, then Gonzaga University |
| NBA Draft | 2019, 21st overall pick |
| Jersey Number | #15 |
| Known For | Athletic defense, shot-blocking, energy, rebounding |
Early Life and Background
Clarke was born on September 19, 1996, in Vancouver, British Columbia. His mother, Whitney Triplett, is Canadian, and his father, Steve Clarke, is Jamaican, which made Brandon a dual citizen of Canada and the United States.
When he was three, his family relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, where he grew up and attended Desert Vista High School. In 2015, he helped lead the school to the Arizona Division I championship game and earned All-Arizona honors.
College Career: San Jose State and Gonzaga
Clarke began his college career at San Jose State before transferring to Gonzaga University, a move that reshaped his trajectory. In his single season with the Bulldogs, he averaged 16.9 points per game and helped lead the team to 33 wins and an NCAA Tournament regional final.
That season earned him the WCC Newcomer of the Year and WCC Defensive Player of the Year awards, a First-Team All-WCC selection, and Third-Team All-American honors, along with recognition as a Wooden Award finalist.
NBA Career
Clarke was selected 21st overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2019 NBA Draft and immediately traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, where he’d spend his entire seven-season career. He debuted on October 23, 2019, posting 8 points, 7 rebounds, an assist, and a block off the bench — a preview of the athleticism and shot-blocking that quickly made him a fan favorite.
Injury Battles: A Difficult Final Stretch
Clarke’s later seasons in Memphis were shaped by a run of serious injuries that he consistently worked to fight through.
2023: A torn left Achilles tendon, sustained in a March 3 game against the Denver Nuggets, ended his 2022–23 season early.
2025: A high-grade PCL sprain in his right knee sidelined him from March 22 onward for the rest of the season. He underwent knee surgery that September after continued issues during offseason training.
2025–26: A Grade 2 calf strain kept him out from December 20, 2025, limiting him to just two games across a season affected by that injury along with the lingering effects of his Achilles and knee issues.
Career Stats by Season
| Season | Games | PPG | RPG | APG | BPG | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–20 (Rookie) | 58 | 12.1 | 5.9 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 62.1% |
| 2020–21 | 46 | 10.5 | 5.0 | 1.4 | 1.0 | 58.4% |
| 2021–22 | 66 | 11.0 | 5.3 | 1.6 | 1.2 | 62.7% |
| 2022–23 | 23 | 9.8 | 5.5 | 1.0 | 0.9 | 61.0% |
| 2023–24 | 6 | 6.2 | 4.0 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 55.0% |
| 2024–25 | 64 | 8.3 | 5.1 | 1.0 | 0.8 | 58.3% |
| 2025–26 | 2 | 4.5 | 3.0 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 50.0% |
| Career (309 games) | 309 | 10.2 | 5.5 | 1.3 | 1.0 | 61.0% |
Legacy
Those who played alongside and coached Clarke consistently described him as warm, easygoing, and well-liked in the locker room. His college coach at Gonzaga, Mark Few, remembered him as one of the most easygoing players he’d ever coached, and the National Basketball Players Association issued a statement calling his death a loss for the league’s brotherhood, noting the genuine friendships he built well beyond basketball.
Clarke was still under contract with the Grizzlies for the 2026–27 season at the time of his death. His passing sent a wave of tributes across the league, from fans, players, and coaches alike.
NBA Awards and Achievements
- NBA All-Rookie First Team, 2019–20 season
- Rising Stars Challenge participant, 2020
- Signed a four-year, $52 million contract with Memphis in October 2022
- Finished 11th in Sixth Man of the Year voting, 2021–22
- Finished 4th in Rookie of the Year voting, 2019–20
- Career-high 27 points, against the Oklahoma City Thunder, 2019
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Brandon Clarke?
Brandon Clarke was an NBA power forward who played his entire seven-season career with the Memphis Grizzlies after being drafted 21st overall in 2019.
When did Brandon Clarke die?
He died on May 11, 2026, at age 29. He was found unresponsive at a home in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles.
What was Brandon Clarke’s cause of death?
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled his death accidental, caused by the effects of heroin and cocaine, with the combined effects of multiple prescription medications listed as a contributing factor.
What were Brandon Clarke’s career stats?
Across 309 NBA games, he averaged 10.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game, shooting 61% from the field.
What college did Brandon Clarke attend?
He started at San Jose State before transferring to Gonzaga, where in his one season he averaged 16.9 points per game and earned multiple conference honors.
Was Brandon Clarke on the NBA All-Rookie Team?
Yes — he made the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2020, alongside teammate and that year’s Rookie of the Year, Ja Morant.
Where was Brandon Clarke born?
He was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on September 19, 1996, and held dual Canadian and American citizenship. He was raised in Phoenix, Arizona.
Rest in Peace, Brandon Clarke
Brandon Clarke, September 19, 1996 – May 11, 2026, will always be remembered as a Grizzly. His energy on the court and the friendships he built off it left a lasting mark on the Memphis community and everyone who watched him play.