Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke. Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Grizzlies could get another key player back earlier than expected?

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Darryn Albert | Last updated 12/21/23

Everything appears to be coming up Memphis right now.

Injured Grizzlies big man Brandon Clarke revealed to Marc J. Spears of Andscape this week that he expects to make his season debut for the team around the NBA All-Star break. Clarke has missed the entire 2023-24 campaign so far as he continues his recovery from a torn left Achilles.

The 27-year-old Clarke also posted a video to Instagram on Wednesday showing that he was dunking again. Clarke called it a “rehab milestone.”

Via Brandon Clarke’s Instagram: pic.twitter.com/wcOyDj5gHG

— Drew Hill (@DrewHill_DM) December 20, 2023

A former All-Rookie first-teamer, Clarke ruptured his Achilles in March of last year. Those are often year-plus injuries, and there was some talk that Clarke could miss the entire 2023-24 season. Thus, a projected return by Clarke around the NBA All-Star break in February is fantastic news for the Grizzlies. They have missed his length and activity off the bench (Clarke has career averages of 10.7 points and 5.7 rebounds in 21.3 minutes per game).

The Grizzlies really dug themselves into a deep hole by going 6-19 while star player Ja Morant was suspended to start off the season. But Morant is back producing breathtaking moments once again, and Clarke might not be too far behind now either.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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