Olympic star from Japan is ready to shine with the Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies are prepared to become a standout team in the Western Conference again after a disappointing 2023/24 season. They had the most injuries during the campaign, so getting new players could boost the team for the future.

Memphis made some interesting signings ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, including Japanese guard Yuki Kawamura. He has been a rising star for the national team over the FIBA World Cup in 2023 and the Olympics in 2024, and his performances intrigued teams like the Grizzlies. He was especially good during the Olympics when he almost took down the hosts, France, led by Victor Wembanyama. Japan lost in overtime 94-90, but Kawamura had 29 points, 6 assists, and 7 rebounds.

Kawamura's play style fits the NBA

The first quality that people will notice about Kawamura is his height. At only 5’8”, he is smaller than the majority of NBA players, one inch shorter than former All-Star Isaiah Thomas. However, he does not let his height define him because he is a formidable and talented player.

Yuki is a guard who is a dynamo on offense, as he can do isolation plays against bigger defenders like what he showcased against Lauri Markkanen in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. He does not care who is defending him because Kawamura believes he could beat them through his dribble moves or silky-smooth jump shot.

That sweet jump shot is probably his best quality because he can shoot from anywhere. That has been a tool in his bag for the longest time because he wants to compensate for the height disadvantage. With a reliable jump shot and good speed on and off the ball, Yuki has made a name for himself in the Japanese basketball scene and the international scene with the national team.

“After this tournament, I felt that I could definitely do it, and I have a desire to go out on the world stage… Because I'm not tall, I have to surpass them in speed, so I think fast breaks are my style,” Yuki said to Basket Count when he was only 16. “Our speed worked in Asia. They were strong, but I didn't feel like I was physically defeated, so I gained confidence.”

Kawamura always wanted to put Japan on the basketball map

Japan is known for its excellence across different sports, but basketball has never been the most popular sport in the country due to baseball sitting in the top spot. However, the Japanese basketball program has produced a couple of NBA professionals, with Yuta Watanabe and Rui Hachimura leading the way.

Now, Kawamura is following in their footsteps by chasing the dream of making it into the world’s biggest basketball stage. Yuki might only have an Exhibit 10 contract with the Grizzlies, but he has an opportunity to shine in training camp. If he can convince the coaching staff and front office, he can earn a spot on a roster. Even though it's unlikely, Kawamura has been

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