Yuki Kawamura: The NBA’s Shortest Player and Rising Star from Japan
Yuki Kawamura, a 5-foot-8 rising star from Japan, is the NBA’s shortest player. Despite his height, he has gained popularity for his playmaking skills. The fourth Japanese player in the NBA, Kawamura has shown promise during his rookie season and expresses gratitude for the support of both teammates and fans as he aims to secure a more permanent role on the team.
Yuki Kawamura, standing at a mere five feet, eight inches, is the NBA’s shortest player and an emerging star from Japan. As the only player under six feet on an active roster, he acknowledges, “It’s not like I can do any dunk shots,” yet his skills have made him a fan favorite during his rookie season. Known for his no-look passes and sharp shooting, Kawamura is optimistic about contributing to his team’s success, focusing on his strengths in assists and game control while improving his three-point shooting.
As only the fourth Japanese player in NBA history, Kawamura’s path to basketball prominence has been remarkable. Inspired by former players such as Rui Hachimura and Yuta Watanabe, he recalled, “He’s the first Japanese NBA player, and watching his play inspired me to keep working hard on basketball.” After achieving a successful high school career, he gained international recognition during the Paris Olympics, where he matched up against highly regarded 7-foot-3 center Victor Wembanyama and scored an impressive 29 points despite his team’s loss, which he termed a “bitter” experience.
Kawamura’s journey to the NBA began with his performance at the Olympics, which helped him secure a two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies. He described his initial experience, stating, “I simply could not believe it. Ever since I was little, I watched the NBA through videos, players like Michael Jordan.” Currently, he receives encouragement from his teammate Ja Morant, who he considers “like my big brother,” as Morant mentors him on both basketball skills and English.
In the NBA’s G League, Kawamura has been impressive, averaging 12.9 points per game. His limited time in the NBA thus far saw him achieve a personal best of 10 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder, despite averaging just 1.2 points and 3.2 minutes per game overall. Fans have shown immense support, chanting “We want Yuki!” during games, which motivates him to live up to their expectations and aspire to convert his two-way contract into a full-time position in the league.
In summary, Yuki Kawamura, at five feet, eight inches, is a notable figure in the NBA as the shortest active player. His skills have quickly made him a fan favorite, and he aims to enhance his contributions to the Memphis Grizzlies while navigating the challenges of being an undersized player in a league dominated by height. With support from teammates and fans, Kawamura continues to pursue his dream of making a significant impact in professional basketball.
Original Source: ktvz.com
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