For over six seasons, a deep friendship blossomed between Jaren Jackson Jr. and Brandon Clarke, to the extent that Jackson often regarded Clarke as his “twin.”
Countless hours spent practicing with the Memphis Grizzlies, coupled with shared travels and meals in unusual locales, forged a bond between the two akin to that of family members.
Jackson’s world was shaken when he received the heartbreaking news that his dear friend and Utah Jazz player, Brandon Clarke, had passed away at the age of 29 this past Monday.
“I never envisioned a reality where this could happen. I love you eternally, brother. This is utterly devastating. I wish I could speak to you one last time. You meant so much to so many, and even more to me,” Jackson expressed in an emotional Instagram post on Wednesday. “There are no words to capture this feeling. It’s still unbelievable. To your family, friends, and everyone you touched, you were a beacon of light, always genuine and sincere. Our friendship transcended the basketball court.”
“I have truly lost my twin. I will continue to talk to you always. Your memory will be eternally cherished and missed.”
Clarke, who joined the Grizzlies for the 2019-20 season, one year after Jackson’s debut campaign, was found dead at a residence in San Fernando Valley on Monday night, according to NBC Los Angeles.
Police are investigating the death as a potential overdose after they found drug paraphernalia at the California abode, and an autopsy will reveal the official cause.
This past season marked Clarke’s seventh with Memphis, and he and Jackson helped lead the team to four playoff berths during their time together.
Memphis made the playoffs with the two in three straight seasons from 2021-23, including a conference semifinals run in 2013, and then returned again in 2025.
This year marked the second down season in the last three years and the Grizzlies sent Jackson to the Jazz in an attempt to rebuild.
Clarke only appeared in two games for Memphis this past year while battling injuries.