The NBA world was rocked on Tuesday by the news of the tragic passing of Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke at the age of 29.
As messages poured in from all corners of the sports world, Clarke’s longtime friend and Grizzlies teammate Jaren Jackson Jr. wrote a heartbreaking tribute.
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“I couldn’t imagine a world where this was even a possibility,” Jackson wrote on Instagram. “I love you forever brother, this is absolutely devastating. 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 going to be talking to you always. You will be forever loved and forever missed.”
Jackson and Clarke became close friends over nearly seven seasons and hundreds of games on the Grizzlies together.
Jackson’s message is one of many that came in from players, teammates, executives and fans alike. As the sports world continues to mourn, Clarke’s tragic passing is a reminder of how precious life is.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
