The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner has announced that former NBA player Brandon Clarke died from an accidental overdose of heroin and cocaine. The 29-year-old was found dead in his home on May 11.
Clarke, who played for the Memphis Grizzlies, had been a first-round pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2019 before being traded to the Grizzlies. He quickly made a name for himself with the team, earning MVP honors in the 2019 NBA Summer League.
During his seven-year tenure with the Grizzlies, Clarke primarily played off the bench and averaged 10.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game over his career. He had been rehabbing a knee injury this past season but was expected to return next year after recent tests showed he needed more time to heal.
Clarke's death comes just days before he was set to appear in court on May 15, where he faced charges related to a traffic stop in Arkansas in April. Authorities also found drug paraphernalia at the scene of his death.
Clarke played college basketball for Gonzaga and went on to make the 2019-20 All-Rookie team after averaging 12.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game during his rookie season with the Grizzlies.
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