NBA Player Brandon Clarke Dies of Accidental Overdose

Brandon Clarke, a former NBA player, passed away due to an accidental drug overdose, as revealed by authorities on Friday. The 29-year-old, who played for the Memphis Grizzlies, was found dead at his Los Angeles home on May 11. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner determined that his death was caused by the effects of heroin and cocaine. When police searched his home, they discovered drug paraphernalia.

Clarke, a forward for the Memphis Grizzlies, was initially drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the 2019 NBA draft. However, his rights were traded to Memphis in exchange for the rights to Darius Bazley and a future second-round pick. Clarke quickly made an impression by earning the MVP title in the 2019 NBA Summer League. Notably, he was the second non-American to achieve this honor.

During his seven years with the Grizzlies, Clarke primarily played off the bench. Unfortunately, he faced challenges in the recent season, playing only two games. Surgery on his right knee followed by a right calf strain kept him out of most games. In March, the team announced that Clarke was still in the process of rehabbing his injury. Further tests indicated he needed additional recovery time, with a return expected next season.

Compounding his difficulties, Clarke encountered legal trouble in April. He was arrested in Arkansas on multiple charges, including improper passing, possession of a controlled substance, fleeing, exceeding the speed limit, and trafficking a controlled substance. He was scheduled for a court appearance on May 15.

Before joining the NBA, Clarke showcased his talent at Gonzaga University. In his rookie NBA season of 2019-20, he averaged 12.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game in a bench role, earning him a spot on the All-Rookie team. Over his career of 309 games, he averaged 20.8 minutes on the court, contributing 10.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per contest.