The San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves paused Tuesday night before Game 5 of their Western Conference semifinal series to honor the memory of Brandon Clarke and Jason Collins.
The Memphis Grizzlies forward died Monday at the age of 29 and Collins, the first openly gay player in NBA history, died at 47 after a battle with glioblastoma, his family announced Tuesday.
Clarke, who played his entire seven-year NBA career in Memphis, was remembered across the league Tuesday after the team and his agency announced his death. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called him “a beloved teammate and leader who played the game with enormous passion and grit.” Patrick Beverley posted “NBA is a brotherhood.” Bradley Beal wrote “RIP B Clarke.” Teams from Philadelphia to Cleveland to Washington offered condolences on social media.
Advertisement
Clarke’s death is being investigated as a possible overdose, NBC4 Los Angeles reports, after drug paraphernalia was found at the Los Angeles home where he was staying.
Clarke was drafted 21st overall in 2019 and made the All-Rookie Team in his first season. He signed a four-year, $52 million extension in 2022 before injuries derailed the final years of his career. He appeared in just two games this season.
He had recently established his own foundation in Memphis, where those who knew him said he was deeply committed to giving back to the community.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Moment of silence held for Brandon Clarke, Jason Collins before game
