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Japanese point guard Yuki Kawamura, who stands 5’8, made history as the fourth Japanese player to ever play for an NBA team. Signed to the Memphis Grizzlies through a two-way deal, the 23-year-old impressed during the preseason games when he averaged 3.4 points and 4.2 assists in 15.1 minutes per game.
He played in his first NBA game on Oct. 25 when he tallied one assist in four minutes of play against the Houston Rockets.
Kawamura was originally signed to an Exhibit 10 (a one-year, minimum salary contract), but this was later upgraded to a two-way deal where the Yamaguchi Prefecture native is permitted to suit up for the Grizzlies and their NBA G League affiliate. According to Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal, this was made possible after former MVP Derrick Rose announced his retirement. This opened up a spot for a much-needed point guard, granting Kawamura a place in the Grizzlies’ roster.
READ: NBA: Grizzlies sign Japan’s 5-foot-8 guard Yuki Kawamura to two-way deal
He is the shortest active player in the NBA and the 13th player in league history listed at 5’8″ or shorter. He also joins Rui Hachimura of the Los Angeles Lakers as the only two active Japanese players in the league. This comes after he went undrafted in last year’s draft.
A try-out on the world’s stage
Though circumstance may in part have affected Kawamura’s ascension to the NBA, it was by no means luck.
Prior to the NBA preseason, Kawamura suited up for the Japanese national team in this year’s Paris Olympics. Slotted into Group B against teams like Brazil, Germany, and France, Japan went 0-3 in the group stages, marking the end of their Olympic stint. Despite the series of defeats, Kawamura averaged 20.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game. His best performance came against the eventual silver medalists, France, when he tallied 29 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists in the overtime loss.
This outing would cement Kawamura in Olympic history as he became the third player after Kevin Durant (2016) and Luol Deng (2012) to register 25+ points, 5+ rebounds, and 5+ assists in an Olympic game in the 21st century.
READ: 10 moments proving the Paris Olympics goes beyond sports
Domestically, Kawamura was the B.League MVP for the Yokohama B-Corsairs. He averaged 19.1 points, 8.1 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game in the 2022-23 season.
An inspiration for Filipino hopefuls
Despite being the only player in the NBA listed under 6’0, Kawamura has proven that height alone does not ultimately decide one’s chances of playing in the league. Instead, high-percentage shooting, the ability to carry the ball, and an impressive basketball IQ—qualities he has shown thus far—are notable skills scouts and general managers won’t overlook despite one’s height.
For far too long, many basketball fans have entrusted their hopes on having a homegrown Filipino play in the league based on the NBA archetype. But as it turns out, if Kawamura made it, then Filipinos clearly have a shot at the NBA. What excuses do we have left?