Ja Morant took to Instagram on Tuesday, flooding his feed with a series of photos and a short video that captured the camaraderie he shared with teammate Brandon Clarke. The posts, which included a picture of Morant alongside Clarke and Jaren Jackson Jr., were accompanied by a caption that expressed his grief and disbelief.
The Memphis Grizzlies confirmed the tragic news earlier that day, announcing that Clarke, 29, had died early Monday evening in Los Angeles. Police are probing the incident as a possible overdose, and first responders were dispatched to a home in the San Fernando Valley before paramedics pronounced him dead on the scene.
A league in mourning
In a heartfelt statement, the Grizzlies expressed their ‘heartbreak and deepest condolences,’ emphasizing Clarke’s influence on the roster and the wider community. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver echoed the sentiment, calling the loss ‘devastating’ for the league and highlighting the impact Clarke had on teammates, fans and the broader basketball community.
Morant, who entered the league alongside Clarke in the 2019 draft, posted a picture of himself with Clarke and Jaren Jackson Jr., alongside a post curated by Grizzlies social media manager Devin Walker that showed the trio during the 2019 NBA Summer League, a reminder of the bond they forged on and off the court.
The outpouring of grief extended beyond Morant’s personal tribute. Fans, analysts and fellow players alike have taken to various platforms to celebrate Clarke’s contributions, recalling his defensive prowess, relentless energy and the joy he brought to the game.
As investigators continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding his death, the Grizzlies and the NBA have pledged to support Clarke’s family and to honor his memory through upcoming team initiatives.