Grizzlies' Clarke returns vs. Lakers after missing year with torn Achilles
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke was back in action against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday.
Clarke had not played since March 2023, when he tore his left Achilles tendon in a game against the Denver Nuggets. He came off the bench midway through the first quarter against L.A. to make his return to the court.
The 27-year-old has played four seasons in the NBA, averaging 10.7 points and 5.6 rebounds for the Grizzlies.
Clarke is the 30th player to appear in a game for the Grizzlies this season as the team has been hit by a slew of injuries. Star guard Ja Morant only appeared in nine games due to serving a 25-game suspension and then suffering a shoulder injury that required season-ending surgery.
Marcus Smart, whom Memphis acquired from the Boston Celtics in the offseason, has been out since Jan. 9 with a finger injury.
The injury situation allowed the Grizzlies to develop Desmond Bane, although he also missed two months with an ankle sprain. The 25-year-old is averaging a career-high 23.7 points and 5.2 assists in 41 games for the team.
Rookie GG Jackson has also taken advantage of the extra playing time. The 2023 second-round pick is averaging 13.5 points.
The Grizzlies entered Wednesday with a record of 24-48 and sit 13th in the Western Conference.