Yuki Kawamura: The Next Big Thing in the NBA Preseason

The Memphis Grizzlies have become a must-watch team during this NBA preseason, and surprisingly, it’s not just because of their stars like Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. Instead, it’s a 5-foot-8 sensation named Yuki Kawamura who’s been taking the league by storm. Yuki Kawamura, a name that is quickly becoming popular in NBA circles, has been lighting up social media and basketball forums with his dazzling playmaking, vision, and ball-handling skills. His exciting performances are drawing comparisons to NBA legends like Steve Nash and Ricky Rubio for his exceptional passing abilities and unmatched court awareness.

Despite all the buzz surrounding Kawamura, what’s remarkable is that he hasn’t even secured a spot on a 15-man NBA roster yet. He’s not on a two-way contract, and he remains an exhibit-10 deal player. However, based on what we’ve seen so far in the preseason, it’s likely that this will change soon. Players with his combination of basketball IQ, shooting, and passing abilities tend to find their way into the NBA, regardless of their size.

The Rise of Yuki Kawamura

For those unfamiliar with Yuki Kawamura, let’s rewind a bit. At just 5’8”, Kawamura is easily recognizable on an NBA court, not only because of his stature but also due to his standout style of play. He is number 17 on the Memphis Grizzlies, and despite his height disadvantage, he has managed to carve out a name for himself, particularly in Japan. Kawamura was already a household name in his home country, having dominated the Japanese basketball scene for the last few years. His MVP performance in Japan’s top basketball league solidified his status as one of the brightest talents to come out of the country.

Kawamura’s big break on the international stage came at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he put on a stellar showing. Over the course of two games, he averaged 20 points, 6.5 assists, and 4 rebounds per game. Kawamura also shot an impressive 40% from three-point range and was perfect from the free-throw line. His Olympics performance caught the attention of NBA scouts, which eventually led to him landing an exhibit-10 contract with the Memphis Grizzlies.

A Preseason Sensation

Fast forward to the NBA preseason, and Yuki Kawamura has quickly become one of the biggest stories. He’s been an absolute highlight reel, making no-look passes that leave fans and players alike in awe. Kawamura seems to have an innate sense of where his teammates are on the floor at all times, allowing him to deliver picture-perfect assists. His playstyle has even drawn comparisons to former Memphis Grizzlies star Jason Williams, famously known as “White Chocolate” for his flashy passing and creativity on the court.

Kawamura’s toughness has also been noteworthy. Standing at 5’8”, Kawamura has had to develop a unique playing style to compensate for his lack of height. His lightning-quick movements and ball-handling skills have made it difficult for NBA defenders to contain him. In some ways, Kawamura’s game is the polar opposite of someone like Victor Wembanyama, the towering French phenom who dominates the paint with his size and length. Instead of trying to shoot over defenders, Kawamura sneaks underneath them, zipping past them to the rim or snatching the ball with sneaky steals.

Grizzlies rookie Zack Edy, who stands at an imposing 7’4”, had the opportunity to go up against Kawamura in their first practice. Reflecting on the experience, Edy remarked, “He was just driving straight at me…he plays bigger than he is. He drives in the paint, makes plays, and tries to get to the rim. He’s really good.” That ability to play “heart over height” could be what ultimately earns Kawamura a permanent spot in the NBA.

The History of Undersized Players in the NBA

Yuki Kawamura is part of a long lineage of undersized players who have defied the odds to succeed in the NBA. Players like Muggsy Bogues, Nate Robinson, and Isaiah Thomas all carved out successful careers despite being under six feet tall. These players didn’t just survive in the NBA—they thrived, using their speed, agility, and basketball intelligence to overcome their physical disadvantages.

Kawamura has the potential to follow in their footsteps. Every few years, the NBA produces an undersized player who becomes a legit rotation piece for a team. These players come off the bench and inject energy into the game, change the pace, and often win the crowd over with their hustle and heart. Kawamura has all the tools to be that kind of player for the Memphis Grizzlies or another NBA team.

The Perfect Fit with the Grizzlies

One of the reasons Kawamura’s story is so compelling is that he seems to have found the perfect landing spot in Memphis. The Grizzlies recently promoted Scottie Pippen Jr. from a two-way contract to the main roster, which opens up an opportunity for Kawamura to slide into a two-way deal. The Grizzlies have a history of developing unheralded talent, and their experience with Japanese forward Yuta Watanabe is another encouraging sign. Watanabe, like Kawamura, began his NBA career on a two-way contract with the Grizzlies before eventually establishing himself as a rotation player. Watanabe’s success could serve as a blueprint for Kawamura’s NBA journey.

Additionally, Kawamura brings a feel-good element to the NBA that fans gravitate toward. There’s something heartwarming about watching a player who doesn’t fit the typical NBA mold excel on the court. Kawamura looks like a regular guy, yet he’s out there tearing it up against the world’s best athletes. It’s an underdog story, and those always resonate with fans.

What’s Next for Kawamura?

Kawamura has made a strong case for a spot on an NBA roster, and it seems like only a matter of time before he officially becomes a part of the Grizzlies or another NBA team. Memphis has a history of developing talent and a current need for depth at the guard position. Given Kawamura’s performance so far, the Grizzlies would be wise to invest in his potential.

In conclusion, Yuki Kawamura is not just a flash in the pan. His performances in the NBA preseason have shown that he has the talent, basketball IQ, and drive to succeed at the highest level. It will be exciting to see where his journey takes him next. For now, though, fans should sit back and enjoy the show, because Kawamura is one of the most entertaining players in basketball right now. The Grizzlies may have just found their next breakout star.