At 5 p.m. Japanese Time on Saturday, October 19, all 30 NBA groups are scheduled to settle their rosters with the 2024-25 season simply days away. THE Memphis Grizzlies got here in with an accessible roster spot — a two-way contract spot that enables gamers to maneuver backwards and forwards between the NBA and G-League. Gamers on two-way contracts can play in 50 of their group’s 82 video games.
Former Virginia middle Jay Huff and 2024 2nd spherical choose Cam Spencer UConn Huskies, two-time defending NCAA champions had already acquired two of the three two-way contract slots accessible to the Grizzlies, and on Saturday afternoon, Memphis made its determination on who would get the ultimate spot.
In response to ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania:
“The Memphis Grizzlies are signing Japanese guard Yuki Kawamura to a two-way NBA contract, sources advised ESPN. The 5-foot-8 Kawamura averaged 3.4 factors, 4.2 assists and 15.1 minutes within the preseason, main the Grizzlies with 21 whole assists and incomes a spot on the group.
Kawamura, 23, had a powerful preseason for the Grizzlies, recording 21 assists to only 8 turnovers in 73 minutes of motion whereas successful a primary “Assistant of the Yr” entry towards the Pacers. At 5’8”, Kawamura turns into the shortest lively participant within the NBA and one in every of solely 9 gamers because the NBA-ABA merger to be 5’8″ or shorter.
Sturdy Olympics efficiency propels Yuki Kawamura to Grizzlies win
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Likelihood is, in the event you’ve heard the title Yuki Kawamura earlier than this week, it was most likely throughout the 2024 Summer season Olympics. Kawamura and the Japanese nationwide group almost surprised Victor Wembanyama and hosts France. within the second match of Group Play. Kawamura completed the sport with 29 factors, 7 rebounds and 6 assists, turning into the third participant in Olympic historical past to complete a sport with a stat line of 25-5-5. Kevin Durant and Luol Deng have been the opposite two gamers.
Do not anticipate to see Kawamura publish these sorts of numbers in Memphis. If the Grizzlies succeed, Kawamura, whose signing gives much-needed depth at level guard Ja Morantwill not see the ground too usually this season. Regardless, Kawamura’s arrival was an superior story to observe unfold.
