Who Is Brandon Clarke? His Birth, Age, NBA Career, and Arrest on Drug and Speeding Charges

Brandon Clarke is a professional basketball player who plays as a forward for the Memphis Grizzlies in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is known for his athletic style of play, strong defense, and ability to impact games off the bench.

Early Life and Background

Brandon Clarke was born on September 19, 1996, in Vancouver, Canada. He is 29 years old as of 2026. He spent part of his early life in Canada before moving to the United States, where he developed his basketball skills further and began gaining recognition as a promising player.

Rise Through College Basketball

Clarke began his college career at San Jose State, where he showed early potential. He later transferred to Gonzaga University, a move that significantly raised his profile. At Gonzaga, he became one of the most efficient and exciting players in college basketball, earning national attention for his shot-blocking ability and scoring efficiency.

His performances at Gonzaga helped position him as a strong prospect heading into the 2019 NBA Draft.

NBA Career with the Memphis Grizzlies

In 2019, Clarke was selected 21st overall in the NBA Draft and joined the Memphis Grizzlies. He made an immediate impact during his rookie season and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.

Since then, he has remained a consistent contributor for the team, often playing an important supporting role. Known for his energy and hustle, Clarke has built a reputation as a reliable forward who can defend, rebound, and score efficiently around the basket.

Season-Ending Injury

Clarke’s recent season was cut short due to injury. He suffered a calf injury that kept him sidelined for an extended period, and he was eventually ruled out for the remainder of the 2025–2026 NBA season.

The injury marked a difficult moment in his career, as he was unable to contribute to his team during a crucial stretch.

Arrest on Drug and Speeding Charges

In April 2026, Clarke was arrested in Cross County, Arkansas. Reports indicate that he was taken into custody on multiple charges related to both drugs and traffic violations.

Authorities stated that the charges included possession and trafficking of a controlled substance, along with speeding-related offenses such as improper passing and fleeing while driving at high speed. The arrest reportedly took place on April 1, and he was booked shortly afterward.

At the time of the incident, Clarke was already away from the court due to his injury. Details surrounding the case remain limited, and no further official statements have been released about the situation.

Current Situation

The case involving Brandon Clarke is still developing. While his basketball future remains tied to the Memphis Grizzlies, the legal process is ongoing, and more information is expected to emerge over time.

The incident comes at a challenging point in his career, as he deals with both recovery from injury and off-court legal issues.