Jaren Jackson Jr, best friend and former teammate to Brandon Clarke, has shared a heartbreaking tribute in honor of the late Memphis Grizzlies star.
The Grizzlies confirmed Clarke’s sudden death at the age of 29 on Tuesday, describing him as an ‘outstanding’ member of the Memphis community.
‘We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke,’ the NBA team said in a statement. ‘Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten.
‘We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.’
Since the news broke, tributes have flooded in for the late 29-year-old however, none have been more touching than Jackson Jr’s message on Wednesday.
Taking to Instagram, ‘JJJ’ wrote: ‘I couldn’t imagine a world where this was even a possibility. I love you forever brother, this is absolutely devastating.
Jaren Jackson Jr has shared a heartbreaking tribute to former teammate to Brandon Clarke
Memphis Grizzlies player Clarke died at the age of 29, it was announced on Tuesday
Jackson Jr penned an emotional message to his former teammate in an Instagram post
‘I just wish I could talk to you. You were so much to so many and even more to me. I will never have the words to describe what this feels like. I still can’t believe this.
‘To your family and friends and everyone you were always a light and you were always so genuine and real and our friendship went far beyond anything on the court.
‘I truly lost my twin. I’m still going to be talking to you always. You will be forever loved and forever missed,’ Jackson Jr added.
The former Grizzlies star, who was traded to the Utah Jazz in February, posted a picture of himself and Clarke on the court together, along with the touching message.
A number of other NBA stars, including Ja Morant, Jordan Clarkson and CJ McCollum, rushed to the comment section of Jackson Jr’s post to wish him well.
The heartbreaking tribute comes just weeks after Clarke and Jackson Jr were seen vacationing in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Last month, footage emerged online which showed the former Grizzlies teammates jet skiing together at the luxury vacation hotspot.
Clarke, who was selected by Memphis with the 25th overall pick in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft, died just four months before his 30th birthday.
Clarke and Jackson Jr shared a court in Memphis before the latter was traded back in February
Clarke was found dead in the San Fernando Valley on Monday. His death is being investigated as a possible overdose
It also comes one month after he was arrested in Arkansas on charges including speeding and trafficking a controlled substance.
The Cross County Sheriff’s Department booked him into jail on April 1 for improper passing, possession of a controlled substance, fleeing and exceeding the speed limit and trafficking a controlled substance.
Injuries had limited the 6ft 8in Grizzlies forward to only two games this season in a frustrating year, with Memphis recently ruling him out for the rest of this season.
Clarke was in his seventh season out of Gonzaga. He missed 73 games after originally sitting out 26 matches while recovering from surgery on his right knee and the last 46 with a right calf strain.
In one of his final social-media posts, the Memphis player commented on a video shared three days ago by his barber, whose Instagram handle is @california_kingdoc.
He replied to his barber less than two days ago: ‘Love brotha!’
Tributes have poured in for Clarke following his death, including from NBA commissioner Adam Silver.
Brandon Clarke is pictured with his mother, Whitney, his step father and his half siblings
Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant reacted to the passing of his long-time friend on Instagram
‘We are devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke,’ Silver said in a statement. ‘As one of the longest-tenured members of the Grizzlies, Brandon was a beloved teammate and leader who played the game with enormous passion and grit.
‘Our thoughts and sympathies are with Brandon’s family, friends and the Grizzlies organization.’
The National Basketball Players Association also wrote in a statement: ‘We are heartbroken by the tragic passing of our brother, Brandon Clarke.
‘This is an incredible loss for the brotherhood. We will remember Brandon not only for the immense joy he brought to so many throughout his career, but for the genuine friendships he built far beyond basketball. Our deepest condolences go out to Brandon’s family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time.’
