Memphis Grizzlies: It’s time to put some respect on Brandon Clarke’s name

Brandon Clarke received three DNPs in the first eight games for the Memphis Grizzlies this season, the official designation on the stat sheet for a player who was available to play, but for whatever reason did not take the court.

Whenever Clarke did see the court early in the season, it was usually in garbage time and with the reserves. We never really heard him complain or groan about the lack of playing time. It might be because of Clarke’s reserved personality or he the fact that he’s the kind of player who’s willing to do whatever it takes to win— including sitting on the bench.

If the Grizzlies had a Beatles Fab Four, Clarke would undoubtedly be ‘The Quiet One,” George Harrison— a key cog who’s comfortable taking a back-seat, but also someone who’s impact is profoundly important, sometimes almost forgettably because he’s not super-outspoken or super-flashy and he rarely gets the coveted televised on-court post-game interview.

Fast-forward some 50-games later in to this Grizzlies season and you’ll be hard-pressed to find another player on this roster that’s been crucial to the team’s success.

Brandon Clarke turned the corner in the Memphis Grizzlies game vs Minnesota

Jaren Jackson Jr. had fouled out of the game Nov. 10 against the Timberwolves, logging just 31 minutes of play. Head Coach Taylor Jenkins called Brandon Clarke’s number and the third-year player out of Gonzaga answered the call.

Clarke’s high energy, high IQ, bouncy play sparked the Grizzlies and helped them secure an overtime win against the Wolves. Clarke finished the game with 20 points, 9 rebounds and a block in 23 minutes of action. This is particularly impressive when you look back and see he had a combined 27 points in his six appearances prior to the huge performance against Minnesota.

Clarke was playing well after that game, averaging around 17 mpg, but hit a road block when he was placed on the inactive list due to a right knee injury. He missed 11 consecutive games in December because of it.

After a few games to get reacclimated, Clarke began playing like one of the best bench players in the NBA.

Since Dec. 31, Clarke has been on an absolute tear, averaging 13.2 ppg, 6.7 rpg and 1.3 bpg all while shooting 66% from the field. In the 22.6 mpg he’s earned since Dec. 31, Clarke has recorded 14 or more points in 13 games. He’s also recorded two or more blocks in 8 games since the start of the new year.

Clarke plays much taller and bigger than his 6’8,” 215 lb frame would suggest. It’s not uncommon for him to out-rebound the opposing team’s big man and out-hustle them, too.

He’s recorded games in which he’s pulled down 15 rebounds, a game when he tallied 22 points, and multiple three-block games.

Since Clarke returned to the team Dec. 26, the Memphis Grizzlies are 22-5 and have the third-best record in the NBA.

As long as the team’s unsung hero remains healthy, he’s going to be the X-Factor that separates the Grizzlies from opposing teams during the playoffs.