The 'Inside the NBA' crew honored Brandon Clarke and Jason Collins on May 13 following their deaths. Clarke, a former Memphis Grizzlies forward, passed away on May 11 at the age of 29.
Key points
Brandon Clarke died on May 11 in California
He was 29 years old
Clarke spent his entire seven-year NBA career with the Grizzlies
The 'Inside the NBA' crew paid tribute on May 13
Jason Collins was also honored during the tribute
Brandon ClarkeJason CollinsMemphis Grizzlies
'Inside the NBA' crew pays tribute to Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke
Charles Barkley and the rest of the "Inside the NBA" crew paid tribute on May 13 to former Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke and former NBA center Jason Collins following their respective deaths.
"Man, Tuesday (May 12) was a tough day for the NBA family," host Ernie Johnson said. "To the families of Brandon Clarke and Jason Collins, prayers from the heart for peace and comfort at this difficult time."
Clarke, 29,Ā died May 11 in California. He had spent his entire seven-year NBA career with the Grizzlies. Along with Ja Morant, Clarke was the longest tenured player on the team.
"Man, 29 years old. 29 years old," Barkley said.
Collins, the NBA's first openly gay player, died of brain cancer. He was 47.
In the days since Clarke's death, there has been an outpouring of support for his family and friends, as well as a host of fond remembrances for the popular Grizzly.
Memphis Grizzliesā Brandon Clarke (15) floats the ball against the Miami Heatās Bam Adebayo (13) during a game on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tenn.
Q&A
What happened to Brandon Clarke of the Memphis Grizzlies?
Brandon Clarke passed away on May 11 at the age of 29.
How did the 'Inside the NBA' crew pay tribute to Brandon Clarke?
The crew, including Charles Barkley and Ernie Johnson, paid tribute during the show on May 13, expressing condolences to Clarke's family.
What was Brandon Clarke's career like with the Memphis Grizzlies?
Brandon Clarke spent his entire seven-year NBA career with the Memphis Grizzlies, becoming one of the longest-tenured players on the team.
Who else was honored alongside Brandon Clarke on 'Inside the NBA'?
Former NBA center Jason Collins was also honored during the tribute on 'Inside the NBA'.
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Memphis Grizzliesā Brandon Clarke (15) floats the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliersā Evan Mobley (4) on Friday, March. 14, 2025 at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tenn.
Mar 5, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) defends during the fourth quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant embraces teammate Brandon Clarke as they take on the Utah Jazz at FedExForum on Friday, Jan. 28, 2022.
Feb 11, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) dunks against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Jan 30, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (right) reacts with forward Brandon Clarke (left) after defeating the Houston Rockets at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Jan 30, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) drives to the basket as Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (9) defends during the first quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke (15) jumps to pass the ball as it bounces out of bounds during the game between the New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on Friday, January 24, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn.
Jan. 15: The Memphis Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke (15) drives to the basket while defended by the San Antonio Spurs' Charles Bassey (28) during the first half at Frost Bank Center.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clark is defended by Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James and center Anthony Davis during their game at the FedExForum on Tuesday Jan. 5, 2021.
Jan 4, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) shoots a jumper over Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) in the third quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke defends a pass by Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala at FedExForum on Monday, March 28, 2022.
Jan 3, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) passes the ball against Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox (5) during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 21: Brandon Clarke #15 of the Memphis Grizzlies is charged with an offensive foul as he drives over Garrison Mathews #24 of the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on December 21, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke (15) collides with Netsā Noah Clowney (21) as he goes for a layup during the game between the Brooklyn Nets and Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., on Friday, December 13, 2024.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) shoots a lay-up during the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022, at FedExForum. The Grizzlies defeated the Timberwolves, 116-108.
Nov 23, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) defends Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the first quarter at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Memphis Grizzliesā Brandon Clarke (15) dunks the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers during a game on Wednesday, Nov. 06, 2024 at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tenn.
Dec 17, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) shoots the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Oct 30, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) drives to the basket as Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson (2) defends during the second half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) addresses members of the media during a press conference at FedExForum on Monday, Sept. 27, 2021.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke celebrates teammate Jaren Jackson Jr's block against the Utah Jazz at FedExForum on Friday, Jan. 28, 2022.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke speaks during a press conference on media day on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tenn.
Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke (15) drives to the basket during the game between the Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic at FedExForum for the Grizzlies home opener on Saturday, October 26, 2024.
Mar 1, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) and Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) battle for the ball during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
January 20, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) controls the ball against Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) reacts during the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) attempts a lay-up against Indiana Pacers forward Jalen Smith (25) and Indiana Pacers guard Chris Duarte (3) on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Memphis Grizzlies lead after the half against the Indiana Pacers, 73-58.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) guards Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) during the second half of a game Monday, Oct. 24, 2022, at FedExForum in Memphis. The Grizzlies defeated the Nets 134-124.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke catches a pass in front of Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson during game three of the second round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Chase Center on Saturday, May 7, 2022.
Apr 26, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) blocks Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jordan McLaughlin (6) from shooting the ball during the second half of game five of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Christine Tannous-USA TODAY Sports
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) jumps in the air to block Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) from passing the ball during the second half of game six of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs on Friday, April 29, 2022, at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn. The Grizzlies defeated the Timberwolves 114-106, meaning they win the round 4-2.
Apr 26, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Anthony Edwards (1) shoots a three-point field goal while being guarded by Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15), tying the score in the last few seconds of game five of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Christine Tannous-USA TODAY Sports
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) guards New York Knicks guard Evan Fournier (13) as he shoots the ball during the second half of a game Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022, at FedExForum. The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the New York Knicks 115-112.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke defends a shot by Oklahoma City Thunder guard Theo Maledon during their game at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn. on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke dunks the ball in pregame warmups before taking on the the Cleveland Cavaliers at the FedExForum on Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke makes a 3-pointer against the Oklahoma City Thunder during their game at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn. on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) shoots the ball over Golden State Warriors forwards Andre Iguodala (9) and Nemanja Bjelica (8) at FedExForum on Monday, March 28, 2022.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) dunks the ball during the first half of game four of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn.
January 20, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) dunks for the basket against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) high fives fans after his team wins a game against the New York Knicks on Friday, March 11, 2022, at FedExForum. The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the New York Knicks 118-114.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) dunks the ball during the first half of a game against the New York Knicks on Friday, March 11, 2022, at FedExForum.
Mar 3, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) dunks past Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III (44) during the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke splits the defense of Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham, left, and center Isaiah Stewart at FedExForum on Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022.
The Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke and Ziaire Williams celebrate after getting a win against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Fedex Forum on Dec. 7, 2022 in Memphis.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke attempts a shot over Charlotte Hornets forward Jalen McDaniels during their game at FedExForum on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke dunks the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers during their game at the FedExForum on Wednesday, February 12, 2020.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) drives to the net against Denver Nuggets forward Paul Millsap (4) and forward JaMychal Green (0) in the first quarter Monday, April 19, 2021, at Ball Arena.
Apr 12, 2021; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) dunks the ball in the second quarter against the Chicago Bulls at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke defends a shot by San Antonio Spurs guard Dejounte Murray during their game at the FedExForum on Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke blocks a shot by Houston Rockets guard John Wall during their game at the FedExForum on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke passes the ball against the Brooklyn Nets during their game at the FedExForum on Friday Jan. 8, 2021.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke defends a shot by Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James during their game at the FedExForum on Tuesday Jan. 5, 2021.
Memphis Grizzliesforward Brandon Clarke shoots the ball over New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson during their game at the FedExForum on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke looks to pass the ball as San Antonio Spurs Rudy Gay defends during their game at the FedExForum on Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke dunks the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers during their game at the FedExForum on Wednesday, February 12, 2020.
Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke (15) dunks the ball Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020, during a game against the Nuggets at FedExForum in downtown Memphis.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke dunks the ball against the Utah Jazz at FedExForum on Friday, Jan. 28, 2022.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) dunks the ball over Chicago Bulls guard Matt Thomas (21) and center Nikola Vucevic (9) FedExForum on Monday, Jan. 17, 2022.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke battles for a rebound with San Antonio Spurs guard Patty Mills during their game at the FedExForum on Monday, Dec. 23, 2019.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) passes the ball during a game against Minnesota Timberwolves at the FedExForum on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke poses for portraits during the teamās Media Day at the FedExForum downtown on Monday, Sept. 30, 2019.
Brandon Clarke from Gonzaga, right, greets NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the No. 21 overall pick in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft on June 20, 2019, at Barclays Center.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) warms up before game six of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, April 29, 2022, at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn.
Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke (15) and Cam Spencer (24) laugh and talk together on the bench during open practice at the FedExForum on October 4, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke shoots the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers at FedExForum on Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke shoots the ball over Houston Rockets forward PJ Tucker during their game at the FedExForum on Monday, Nov. 4, 2019.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke shoots the ball over San Antonio Spurs guard Tre Jones at FedExForum on Friday, Dec. 31, 2021.
Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke (15) passes the ball during the game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., on Saturday, April 6, 2024.
Memphis Grizzliesā Brandon Clarke (15) floats the ball against the Houston Rocketsā Jock Landale (2) during a game on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tenn.
Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke (15) sits on the bench during the game between the Boston Celtics and Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., on Monday, March 31, 2025.
Apr 9, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) keeps hold of the ball from New Orleans Pelicans forward Larry Nance Jr. (22) and New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III (25) during the first half of a game at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Christine Tannous-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 19, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard D'Angelo Russell (0) is guarded by Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) during the first half of game two of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Christine Tannous-USA TODAY Sports
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke makes a shot over Detroit Pistons forward Saddiq Bey during their game at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn. on Friday, Feb. 19, 2021.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke dunks the ball against the Houston Rockets during their game at the FedExForum on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020.
Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke (15) walks onto the court for open practice at the FedExForum on October 4, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke dunks the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers during their game at the FedExForum on Wednesday, February 12, 2020.
The Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) screams with emotion after dunking the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves in a game on Feb. 10, 2023 at the Fedex Forum in Memphis.
Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke (15) runs on the court as he is introduced during open practice at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., on Sunday, October 6, 2024.
Memphis Grizzlies center Steven Adams (4) and Brandon Clarke (15) react to a defensive stop against the Los Angeles Clippers at FedExForum on Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke shoots the ball over Washington Wizards forward Davis Bertans during their game at the FedExForum on Wednesday, March 10, 2021.
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Memphis Grizzliesā Brandon Clarke (15) floats the ball against the Miami Heatās Bam Adebayo (13) during a game on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tenn.
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Memphis Grizzliesā Brandon Clarke (15) floats the ball against the Miami Heatās Bam Adebayo (13) during a game on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tenn.
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Memphis Grizzliesā Brandon Clarke (15) floats the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliersā Evan Mobley (4) on Friday, March. 14, 2025 at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tenn.
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Mar 5, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) defends during the fourth quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant embraces teammate Brandon Clarke as they take on the Utah Jazz at FedExForum on Friday, Jan. 28, 2022.
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Feb 11, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) dunks against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
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Jan 30, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (right) reacts with forward Brandon Clarke (left) after defeating the Houston Rockets at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Jan 30, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) drives to the basket as Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (9) defends during the first quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke (15) jumps to pass the ball as it bounces out of bounds during the game between the New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on Friday, January 24, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn.
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Jan. 15: The Memphis Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke (15) drives to the basket while defended by the San Antonio Spurs' Charles Bassey (28) during the first half at Frost Bank Center.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clark is defended by Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James and center Anthony Davis during their game at the FedExForum on Tuesday Jan. 5, 2021.
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Jan 4, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) shoots a jumper over Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) in the third quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke defends a pass by Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala at FedExForum on Monday, March 28, 2022.
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Jan 3, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) passes the ball against Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox (5) during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 21: Brandon Clarke #15 of the Memphis Grizzlies is charged with an offensive foul as he drives over Garrison Mathews #24 of the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on December 21, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke (15) collides with Netsā Noah Clowney (21) as he goes for a layup during the game between the Brooklyn Nets and Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., on Friday, December 13, 2024.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) shoots a lay-up during the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022, at FedExForum. The Grizzlies defeated the Timberwolves, 116-108.
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Nov 23, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) defends Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the first quarter at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
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Memphis Grizzliesā Brandon Clarke (15) dunks the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers during a game on Wednesday, Nov. 06, 2024 at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tenn.
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Dec 17, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) shoots the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
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Oct 30, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) drives to the basket as Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson (2) defends during the second half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) addresses members of the media during a press conference at FedExForum on Monday, Sept. 27, 2021.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke celebrates teammate Jaren Jackson Jr's block against the Utah Jazz at FedExForum on Friday, Jan. 28, 2022.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke speaks during a press conference on media day on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tenn.
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Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke (15) drives to the basket during the game between the Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic at FedExForum for the Grizzlies home opener on Saturday, October 26, 2024.
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Mar 1, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) and Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) battle for the ball during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
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January 20, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) controls the ball against Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 27, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) reacts during the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) attempts a lay-up against Indiana Pacers forward Jalen Smith (25) and Indiana Pacers guard Chris Duarte (3) on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Memphis Grizzlies lead after the half against the Indiana Pacers, 73-58.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) guards Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) during the second half of a game Monday, Oct. 24, 2022, at FedExForum in Memphis. The Grizzlies defeated the Nets 134-124.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke catches a pass in front of Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson during game three of the second round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Chase Center on Saturday, May 7, 2022.
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Apr 26, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) blocks Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jordan McLaughlin (6) from shooting the ball during the second half of game five of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Christine Tannous-USA TODAY Sports
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) jumps in the air to block Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) from passing the ball during the second half of game six of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs on Friday, April 29, 2022, at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn. The Grizzlies defeated the Timberwolves 114-106, meaning they win the round 4-2.
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Apr 26, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Anthony Edwards (1) shoots a three-point field goal while being guarded by Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15), tying the score in the last few seconds of game five of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Christine Tannous-USA TODAY Sports
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) guards New York Knicks guard Evan Fournier (13) as he shoots the ball during the second half of a game Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022, at FedExForum. The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the New York Knicks 115-112.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke defends a shot by Oklahoma City Thunder guard Theo Maledon during their game at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn. on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke dunks the ball in pregame warmups before taking on the the Cleveland Cavaliers at the FedExForum on Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke makes a 3-pointer against the Oklahoma City Thunder during their game at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn. on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) shoots the ball over Golden State Warriors forwards Andre Iguodala (9) and Nemanja Bjelica (8) at FedExForum on Monday, March 28, 2022.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) dunks the ball during the first half of game four of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn.
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January 20, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) dunks for the basket against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) high fives fans after his team wins a game against the New York Knicks on Friday, March 11, 2022, at FedExForum. The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the New York Knicks 118-114.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) dunks the ball during the first half of a game against the New York Knicks on Friday, March 11, 2022, at FedExForum.
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Mar 3, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) dunks past Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III (44) during the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke splits the defense of Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham, left, and center Isaiah Stewart at FedExForum on Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022.
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The Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke and Ziaire Williams celebrate after getting a win against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Fedex Forum on Dec. 7, 2022 in Memphis.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke attempts a shot over Charlotte Hornets forward Jalen McDaniels during their game at FedExForum on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke dunks the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers during their game at the FedExForum on Wednesday, February 12, 2020.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) drives to the net against Denver Nuggets forward Paul Millsap (4) and forward JaMychal Green (0) in the first quarter Monday, April 19, 2021, at Ball Arena.
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Apr 12, 2021; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) dunks the ball in the second quarter against the Chicago Bulls at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke defends a shot by San Antonio Spurs guard Dejounte Murray during their game at the FedExForum on Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke blocks a shot by Houston Rockets guard John Wall during their game at the FedExForum on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke passes the ball against the Brooklyn Nets during their game at the FedExForum on Friday Jan. 8, 2021.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke defends a shot by Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James during their game at the FedExForum on Tuesday Jan. 5, 2021.
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Memphis Grizzliesforward Brandon Clarke shoots the ball over New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson during their game at the FedExForum on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke looks to pass the ball as San Antonio Spurs Rudy Gay defends during their game at the FedExForum on Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke dunks the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers during their game at the FedExForum on Wednesday, February 12, 2020.
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Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke (15) dunks the ball Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020, during a game against the Nuggets at FedExForum in downtown Memphis.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke dunks the ball against the Utah Jazz at FedExForum on Friday, Jan. 28, 2022.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) dunks the ball over Chicago Bulls guard Matt Thomas (21) and center Nikola Vucevic (9) FedExForum on Monday, Jan. 17, 2022.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke battles for a rebound with San Antonio Spurs guard Patty Mills during their game at the FedExForum on Monday, Dec. 23, 2019.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) passes the ball during a game against Minnesota Timberwolves at the FedExForum on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke poses for portraits during the teamās Media Day at the FedExForum downtown on Monday, Sept. 30, 2019.
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Brandon Clarke from Gonzaga, right, greets NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the No. 21 overall pick in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft on June 20, 2019, at Barclays Center.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) warms up before game six of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, April 29, 2022, at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn.
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Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke (15) and Cam Spencer (24) laugh and talk together on the bench during open practice at the FedExForum on October 4, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke shoots the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers at FedExForum on Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke shoots the ball over Houston Rockets forward PJ Tucker during their game at the FedExForum on Monday, Nov. 4, 2019.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke shoots the ball over San Antonio Spurs guard Tre Jones at FedExForum on Friday, Dec. 31, 2021.
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Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke (15) passes the ball during the game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., on Saturday, April 6, 2024.
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Memphis Grizzliesā Brandon Clarke (15) floats the ball against the Houston Rocketsā Jock Landale (2) during a game on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tenn.
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Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke (15) sits on the bench during the game between the Boston Celtics and Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., on Monday, March 31, 2025.
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Apr 9, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) keeps hold of the ball from New Orleans Pelicans forward Larry Nance Jr. (22) and New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III (25) during the first half of a game at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Christine Tannous-USA TODAY Sports
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Apr 19, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard D'Angelo Russell (0) is guarded by Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) during the first half of game two of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Christine Tannous-USA TODAY Sports
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke makes a shot over Detroit Pistons forward Saddiq Bey during their game at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn. on Friday, Feb. 19, 2021.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke dunks the ball against the Houston Rockets during their game at the FedExForum on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020.
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Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke (15) walks onto the court for open practice at the FedExForum on October 4, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke dunks the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers during their game at the FedExForum on Wednesday, February 12, 2020.
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The Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) screams with emotion after dunking the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves in a game on Feb. 10, 2023 at the Fedex Forum in Memphis.
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Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke (15) runs on the court as he is introduced during open practice at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., on Sunday, October 6, 2024.
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Memphis Grizzlies center Steven Adams (4) and Brandon Clarke (15) react to a defensive stop against the Los Angeles Clippers at FedExForum on Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke shoots the ball over Washington Wizards forward Davis Bertans during their game at the FedExForum on Wednesday, March 10, 2021.
"Brandon was an outstanding teammate and even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten," the franchise said in a prepared statement issued May 12.
Charles Barkley reacts to Brandon Clarke's death
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office has not yet determined Clarke's cause of death. But, authorities have said drug paraphernalia was found in the home where Clark was found, and "the incident is being investigated as a possible overdose."
Barkley delivered an impassioned message related to that.
"And, man, you young guys out there, man. You know, obviously, Iām very sensitive on the drug situation," Barkley began. "Man, you guys got to stay away from that stuff. I know thatās easier said than done. (But) it aināt a matter of if, itās just a matter of when.
"If youāre out there experimenting with drugs, the storyās gonna end badly. It aināt just about you, man. Youāve got a family out there. I donāt know his situation, (if) you got a mom and dad, brothers and sisters.
"But, man, itās a terrible loss for him and his family. It just sucks. It was a tough day for the NBA."
