Clarke was born in Vancouver and was a dual citizen of Canada and the USA, having moved with his family to Phoenix when he was three.

After playing college basketball at San Jose State and then Gonzaga, he was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder and traded to the Grizzlies soon after.

His only two games this season were in December, although he travelled to the UK in January for the Grizzlies’ win over the Orlando Magic in London.

“He was so loved by all of us here and everyone whose life he touched,” read a statement by his agency, Priority Sports.

“He was the gentlest soul who was the first to be there for all of his friends and family.”

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement: “As one of the longest-tenured members of the Grizzlies, Brandon was a beloved team-mate and leader who played the game with enormous passion and grit.”