Brandon Clarke has emerged as one of the top role players for the Grizzlies moving forward

Clarke's return is a big deal for the Grizzlies' future.

When Brandon Clarke tore his Achilles tendon in March 2023, many expected his career to nosedive. That injury has altered many players' careers, especially the big men who have to play with a significant weight.

Since Clarke is a frontcourt player who relies on athleticism to be a big part of his game, he knows lower-body injuries are a problem. Attacking the rehab process became the central part of his daily life for a year before returning in March 2024, which made other Grizzlies players like Jaren Jackson Jr. praise him.

"B.C. was back to being B.C., yeah. That means he was dunking, running great, setting screens, slipping out, shooting threes," Jaren said to the media. "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 rehab seriously and looks perfect now."

Clarke looked like his old self

While Clarke only played six games after returning late into the 2023/24 NBA season, he looked like his old self. Most players who suffered a torn Achilles would usually lose mobility and jumping power, but B.C. did well in his recovery.

Across those six games, Brandon scored 11.3 points, grabbed 5.3 rebounds, and blocked one shot per game. Those are encouraging numbers for someone who went through hell with a torn Achilles. It is an inspiring story for anyone who struggles with such a significant injury because he looks like the B.C. of old, which was a good sign for the Grizzlies.

Clarke will figure in as a vital role player for Memphis

Now that he has returned, Clarke must play a significant role for the Grizzlies. He is likely a backup big man for Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey. It will be a challenging role for B.C., but he already proved he is a serviceable role player during the previous five seasons.

His size and athleticism will be vital for Memphis as the team looks to return to the upper echelon of the Western Conference. Clarke will not just be an athletic finisher of lob passes; he can also be a positive presence for the team because he provides positive energy.

Coach Taylor Jenkins will be pleased with what he saw from the Grizzlies because the roster is exceptionally talented. Brandon is prepared to be a significant contributor again after a year away.

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