Grizzlies analyst reveals major update regarding potential return of Brandon Clarke

It has been a little over a year since fans last saw big man Brandon Clarke suit up for the Memphis Grizzlies, as he's been sidelined and rehabbing from a torn Achilles tendon sustained on March 3, 2023.

Though there's still no official return date set, on Monday, a surprising turn of events came to fruition, as the 27-year-old found himself upgraded from "Out" to "Doubtful" for the first time since his devastating injury.

In a somewhat poetic fashion, it just so happens that this news came ahead of a matchup against the same team that he last saw in-game action in the Denver Nuggets, and on the same court, no less.

Ultimately, the Grizzlies went on to play out their contest without Clarke activated, though his presence in pre-game warmups sparked heightened intrigue over whether or not the former first rounder could make his way back to the hardwood before season's end.

While there were serious questions regarding the viability of such a return, on March 26, Grind City Media's Michael Wallace shared a major update regarding Clarke's possible availability ahead of Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Major update issued on Brandon Clarke's possible Grizzlies return

"To see him go through the workout yesterday before the game on that same floor where he unfortunately tore his Achilles, to come back all the way full circle was a beautiful moment to see. He had a big smile on his face, he was nervous. He felt like he was playing in his first NBA game when he went out there for the workout. Everything is trending toward him being questionable for tomorrow's game against the Lakers. When he's out there, like I said before, there's no question in his mind that if he's questionable he's going to be out there playing and trying to give it a go. "

Michael Wallace

Wallace would continue on to state that while the Grizzlies likely will not be looking to "give him too much because the adrenaline is going to take over," ultimately he revealed that the club does "expect for him to be available barring any kind of snag or any kind of delay of set back."

Should he be held out, however, Saturday's bout against the Orlando Magic would then be the expected return date.

A fan favorite among the Grind City faithful, throughout his five year career Clarke has established himself as a vital piece within Memphis rotation due, in large, to his sensational two-way play and off the charts athleticism.

Last we saw the Grizzlies big play, he was posting impressive per-game averages of 10.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and just shy of a block through 56 games played while shooting 65.6 percent from the field.

Though it should be expected that Clarke may be a bit sluggish upon his return, the hope is that he shows he still has the capability of producing at the same or similar level to what he was prior to injury.

Heading into Wednesday's game against Los Angeles, all eyes will be on the big man.