Grizzlies Forward Suffers Season-Ending Injury

It's been a rough 24 hours for the Memphis Grizzlies. First, a suspension and controversy for star Ja Morant over his off-court behavior, and now they've gotten dealt a tough injury blow, as 6th man Brandon Clarke has suffered a season-ending Achilles tear.

Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has suffered a season-ending left Achilles tear, his agent Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports tells ESPN. Clarke averages 10 points on 65 percent shooting. pic.twitter.com/EnPEPMu51a

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 4, 2023

A model of consistency over his four years in the NBA, Clarke was once again averaging 10 points and 5.5 rebounds this season, while shooting 65% from the floor, while providing a non-stop motor and elite athleticism while providing his usual dynamic defense. His 19 minutes per game will be sorely missed at both ends of the floor.

The injury occurred Friday night, on a non-contact play in the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets.

🚨 BREAKING: Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has suffered a season-ending left Achilles tear, per @wojespn.

Clarke sustained the injury last night vs. the Nuggets:
pic.twitter.com/JdwwxZlnAB

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) March 4, 2023

According to Joe Vardon of The Athletic, Clarke will not only miss the remainder of this season, he will likely miss most, if not all, of next season. A brutal break for Clarke and the Grizzlies.

The 26-year-old signed a four-year, $50M contract extension with the Grizzlies last fall that kicks in next season.

 Photo: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports