Memphis Grizzlies Get Major Injury Boost With Potential Return of Ja Morant’s Draft Mate

Clarke has yet to play this 2023-24 season after tearing his left Achilles tendon during a March 2023 game against the Denver Nuggets. Now a little over a year later since undergoing surgery and rehabbing, Clarke appeared to be on his way back.

While it’s still uncertain if Clarke will play on Wednesday when they take on the Los Angeles Lakers, the Grizzlies upgraded his status to questionable–which means there’s at least a 50 percent chance he’ll play. Of course it depends on how he feels before the match-up, but regardless, that’s certainly a good news for the franchise looking for some positives from an otherwise forgettable season.

Clarke has career averages of 10.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists while shooting 60.4 percent from the field. He’s one of the more reliable bench players for Memphis, and is more than capable of starting if called upon.

While Clarke will likely have some minutes restriction in his return, there shouldn’t be a lot of pressure for him to perform anyway. With the Grizzlies out of playoff contention after the injuries to the likes of Morant and Marcus Smart among many others, the last few matches of the season is largely for developmental purposes for the team.

With that being said, it is the perfect opportunity for Clarke to get some runs in a live game to get himself back into shape in preparation for next season. If he’s unable to make it against the Lakers, the Grizzlies will still have nine games left after, with the next opportunity for him coming Saturday against the Orlando Magic.

How Is Brandon Clarke Doing for the Memphis Grizzlies?

For what it’s worth, Brandon Clarke does seem ready to return to the Memphis Grizzlies based on recent comments about his status.

Jaren Jackson Jr. noted that his teammate is back to his usual explosive self, which is music to the ears of Grizzlies fans.

“B.C. was back to being B.C., yeah,” Jackson shared, per the team’s website. “That means he was dunking, running great, setting screens, slipping out, shooting threes. We saw it over the break, and it’s been like that. It’s been crazy growth because he’s healed. From Day 1, he took his rehab seriously and he looks really good right now.”

Thankfully for the Grizzlies faithful, the wait for Clarke’s return shouldn’t be too long.