Brandon

Clarke

Clarke’s agency Priority Sports released the information regarding his passing, though no other details have been reported at this time. Clarke spent seven seasons with the Grizzlies after being a first-round pick in 2019. He was named to the All-Rookie first team that year, though injuries limited his availability over the past few seasons. Clarke was only 29 years old at the time of his passing.

Clarke made two appearances this year, both in January. It isn’t surprising that he will remain sidelined for the rest of the season, but he is expected to make a full recovery ahead of next year.

Clarke is still progressing in his rehabilitation from a calf strain suffered in late December. The 29-year-old hasn’t progressed to the next step in his rehab process yet, though, and he’ll miss two more weeks before he’s re-evaluated. Clarke’s absence doesn’t impact fantasy basketball.

Clarke’s continued absence has no impact to Memphis’ rotation, as the backup big man logged only two games before suffering the injury. Even when he returns, Clarke won’t be worth rostering in most fantasy leagues.

Clarke has appeared in only two games this season, and he was forced to exit Saturday’s loss to the Wizards early with a strained right calf. Santi Aldama and Jock Landale should continue to soak up frontcourt minutes with Zach Edey out. Christian Koloko recently inked a 10-day deal, and he’ll provide backup depth at the position.

Clarke exited Saturday’s loss to the Wizards with a strained right calf, and this injury could cost him multiple games. Santi Aldama moved into the lineup to begin the third quarter, and he may be called on to start against the Thunder. Jock Landale will also figure more prominently in the Grizzlies’ rotation.

Clarke started Saturday’s game but played four minutes before exiting with a sore right calf. Reserves Santi Aldama and Jock Landale will have added importance, especially with Zach Edey (ankle) out for a few more weeks.

Clarke made his season debut on Wednesday, and to the surprise of many, he did so as a starter. His first stint on the floor lasted just under four minutes, and the Grizzlies are likely to limit Clarke’s playing time for the foreseeable future. The question is whether he can play enough while Zach Edey (ankle) is out to become a viable option in deep leagues. Based on the playing time and production, Clarke isn’t there yet, but that could change in time.

The Grizzlies won’t have Ja Morant (ankle) for Wednesday’s game, and they’ve decided to go with a bigger lineup. Clarke will start in his first appearance of the season after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery in late September. Vince Williams Jr., who was a starter when Morant missed time with a strained calf, will come off the bench, which limits his fantasy ceiling.

Clarke, who underwent offseason right knee surgery, is available to play for the first time this season. With Zach Edey (ankle) out, rotation minutes should be available. That said, the amount of time that Clarke missed likely means that he’ll be on a minutes restriction. He isn’t a must-add now, but keep an eye on Clarke’s minutes and production.