Overview
- The Memphis Grizzlies announced on Saturday that they will hold a pregame tribute and moment of silence for Brandon Clarke before the Oct. 21 home opener and wear a small “BC” memorial patch on all jerseys for the 2026–27 season.
- In August the Los Angeles County medical examiner ruled Clarke’s May 2026 death an accidental drug overdose caused by the combined effects of heroin and cocaine.
- Clarke played seven seasons in Memphis after being drafted in 2019 and earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors in 2020, but a torn left Achilles in March 2023 and later knee and calf issues sharply limited his last two seasons.
- About six weeks before his death Clarke was arrested in Cross County, Arkansas on drug- and driving-related allegations that were unresolved at the time he died, and those charges did not result in a conviction.
- Fans, teammates and the franchise have left tributes at FedExForum and the jersey patch plus opening-night ceremony will keep Clarke’s memory part of game-day life while the team and city continue to grieve.