The Memphis Grizzlies signed Japanese guard Yuki Kawamura to a two-way contract earlier than the beginning of the NBA season. By selling Scotty Pippen Jr. to an ordinary contract after Derrick Rose retired, the Grizzlies created a two-way opening that went to Kawamura.
Though the 5-foot-8 guard does not venture to play many NBA minutes, he is already a fan favourite. A celebrity in Japan, Kawamura has an enormous following that now additionally follows the Grizzlies.
Kawamura made his NBA debut Friday night time towards the Houston Rockets, enjoying three minutes within the Grizzles’ 128-108 loss. Making his first look at dwelling Saturday towards the Orlando Magic, Kawamura acquired a loud ovation.
By way of Drew Hill of the Day by day Memphian: “Hey, Japan. The group in Memphis goes WILD for Yuki Kawamura’s first look at FedExForum.”
Hey, Japan.
The group in Memphis goes wild for Yuki Kawamura’s first look at FedExForum. pic.twitter.com/nVrNZxdLtq
– Drew Hill (@DrewHill_DM) October 27, 2024
Friday’s recreation was a historic look for Kawamura, because the NBA mentioned he was solely the fourth Japanese participant to debut.
By way of NBA Japan (translated into English by X): “The fourth Japanese participant within the NBA is born 🇯🇵 🎉”
日本人4人目のNBAプレイヤー誕生 🇯🇵🎉#河村勇輝 @KawamuraYuki #NBA #GrindCity @memgrizz #NBAHighlights #NBAJPN pic.twitter.com/5ZQi0KwMMV
– NBA Japan (@NBAJPN) October 26, 2024
Kawamura shared an embrace with Grizzlies star Ja Morant after Saturday’s recreation which he spoke to reporters about.
“It was a particular second,” Kawamura mentioned. “Ja is my nice buddy. He is my man.”
I requested Yuki Kawamura about his hug with Ja Morant after the sport.
“It was a particular second,” he mentioned.
“Ja is my nice buddy. He is my man.” pic.twitter.com/YLDz22EkU1
– Drew Hill (@DrewHill_DM) October 27, 2024
Kawamura continues to be on the lookout for his first NBA factors, after lacking his first two area aim makes an attempt. The Grizzlies’ subsequent recreation is Sunday towards the Chicago Bulls.
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