Brandon Clarke ethnicity has been one of the more searched questions among NBA fans curious about the Memphis Grizzlies forward’s multicultural background.
The short answer: yes, Brandon Clarke is mixed race, born to a Canadian mother and a Jamaican father, raised in the United States, and holding dual citizenship in two countries.
Here is exactly what we know.
Brandon Clarke Ethnicity: Canadian, Jamaican, and American All at Once
Brandon Clarke was born on September 19, 1996, in Vancouver, British Columbia.
His mother, Whitney Triplett, is Canadian. His father, Steve Clarke, is Jamaican.
That makes Brandon biracial, half-Canadian and half-Jamaican of Black Caribbean descent.
When he was three years old, the family relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, where Clarke grew up, attended Desert Vista High School, and developed into one of the most athletically gifted big men in college basketball at Gonzaga.
Because he was born in Canada but raised in the United States, Clarke held dual citizenship, Canadian and American.
That dual nationality is rare in the NBA and became a talking point throughout his career. He was the second non-American player ever to win NBA Summer League MVP in 2019, and the first non-American to win championship MVP in the same tournament.
His Jamaican roots come entirely from his father’s side. Clarke never spoke extensively about that heritage in public, but the Gonzaga Bulletin confirmed in 2019 that he is “half-Jamaican heritage descending from his father.“
What Brandon Clarke’s Mixed Heritage Means to His Identity
Clarke’s background shaped more than just his passport. His tattoo tells part of the story.
Inked on his arm is a phoenix, a lion, and the word “inspire.” The phoenix represents Phoenix, Arizona, the city that raised him.
The lion is his favourite animal and a nod to Jamaican cultural symbolism. “Inspire” pays tribute to his mother, Whitney, whose yoga studio is called Inspire by Whitney.
That tattoo is a three-part map of who Brandon Clarke was: a Jamaican-Canadian kid who grew up American, carrying all three identities on his skin.
His mother, Whitney, has been the dominant presence in his upbringing. After his biological parents separated, Whitney married Bryan Triplett, who became Brandon’s stepfather and a major influence in his life.
In 2024, Clarke publicly expressed his hopes of one day representing Canada at the international level, a clear signal of where his national identity sat, despite being an American NBA player.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brandon Clarke
What happened to Brandon Clarke?
Brandon Clarke died on May 11, 2026, at the age of 29. The cause of death had not been officially confirmed at the time of writing. His agency, Priority Sports, and the Memphis Grizzlies both confirmed the news. Clarke had been dealing with significant injury setbacks throughout the 2025–26 season, playing in just two games after suffering a calf strain.
Why wasn’t Brandon Clarke playing?
Clarke missed the majority of the 2025-26 NBA season due to a high-grade PCL sprain in his right knee, suffered in March 2025. He then required arthroscopic surgery in September 2025 to address knee synovitis that developed during offseason training. He managed only two appearances that entire season.
What team drafted Brandon Clarke?
Clarke was selected 21st overall in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder, then immediately traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for the draft rights to Darius Bazley and a future second-round pick. He spent his entire seven-year NBA career with the Grizzlies.
Was Brandon Clarke a good NBA player?
Yes. Clarke shot 60.5 percent from the field across 309 career games, averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2020. The Grizzlies signed him to a four-year, $52 million extension in 2022. He was regarded as one of the most efficient and athletic big men of his generation.
Is Brandon Clarke mixed race?
Yes. His mother, Whitney Triplett, is Canadian, and his father, Steve Clarke, is Jamaican. Born in Vancouver and raised in Phoenix, Clarke held dual Canadian and American citizenship and carried all three parts of his identity with him throughout his life and career.
Quick Facts: Brandon Clarke Ethnicity
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Brandon Clarke |
| Date of Birth | September 19, 1996 |
| Birthplace | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
| Mother’s Nationality | Canadian |
| Father’s Nationality | Jamaican |
| Ethnicity | Mixed Race (Jamaican-Canadian) |
| Citizenship | Dual: Canada and the United States |
| NBA Team | Memphis Grizzlies (2019–2026) |
