Brandon Clarke ‘super grateful’ for Grizzlies contract extension
Memphis Grizzlies center Brandon Clarke discusses signing his new contract extension ahead of the 2022-23 NBA season.
Damichael Cole, Memphis Commercial Appeal
Brandon Clarke was all smiles at Monday’s practice after signing a four-year $52 million contract extension to remain with the Memphis Grizzlies.
His teammates jokingly messed with him, asking him what he’s going to do with the money while Clarke tried to ignore them and get his normal practice reps in with a smirk on his face.
“Big money!” Tyus Jones said to Clarke while rubbing his fingers together .
“This team is really my life, so just to see on paper and to know that I’m here for the next four years is a very good feeling,” Clarke.
Clarke has said since media day that Memphis is where he wants to be. When the Grizzlies and Clarke’s agency engaged in talks, personally, he was just happy to be afforded the opportunity.
In three seasons, Clarke has been one of the more valuable Grizzlies players, but his role coming off the bench made his contract status an intriguing questions. In the end, the Grizzlies paid Clarke like a starting center.
“I know there are a bunch of guys that don’t get that luxury of having to sign and they have to play the whole year feeling like they have to prove themselves again,” Clarke said. “I feel like I’ve proven myself multiple times on this team, so really glad to get that out the way.”
Clarke will begin this season in a similar role as the previous campaign. He’ll operate as one of the top options off the bench and will likely be featured in closing lineups.
It’s his closing lineup role that shows his true value. Coaches will often say that the closing five is just as important as the starting five, and that’s where Clarke makes a big impact.
“His impact on winning is high level,” Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said. “Versatility on both sides of the floor, the pace in which he plays with on the offensive end. He’s just a guy that gets stuff done.”
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Ziaire Williams status update
Ziaire Williams was seen at practice for the first time in more than a week on Monday. He’s been dealing with knee soreness, and Jenkins said on Saturday that his status for Wednesday’s season opener is in question.
Williams wore a black mask on his face and worked off to the side. Jenkins said Williams had been dealing with a non-Covid illness the past couple of days, so the Grizzlies wanted him to get his wind back. His status for Wednesday remains in question.
“He’s trending well, but a little bit more day to day,” Jenkins said. “I’m not sure what his status will be for Wednesday.”
Jaren Jackson Jr. closer to next step
All signs continue to point to Jaren Jackson Jr. returning closer to the front end of his four-to-six months timeline that he was given in July after undergoing a right foot procedure. Jenkins said Monday that Jackson hasn’t had any regressions.
The Grizzlies are giving him occasional reps while gradually increasing his team load and pushing him more individually. Jenkins said Jackson should get more 5-on-5 reps “hopefully” in the next couple of weeks.