A portrait of the phenomenon, standing at just 1.73 meters.
Imagine a point guard barely 1.73 meters tall, capable of making an entire NBA crowd rise to their feet, delivering spectacular passes and devastating dribbles with ease, reminiscent of streetball playgrounds. This isn’t a dream, but the reality Yuki Kawamura is living with the Memphis Grizzlies. This young phenomenon from Japan is becoming one of the sensations of the NBA preseason, winning over both fans and the sharpest observers. Between his dazzling on-court performances and impromptu shows with star Ja Morant, the MVP of Japan’s B-League is bringing a fresh breeze to the league. A portrait of a player proving that height is just a number when you have such talent.
Also read: 5 Things You Need to Know About Mothica, the Gothic Artist Captivating the Internet
Who is he?
Yuki Kawamura, according to his Wikipedia page, was born on May 2, 2001, in Yanai, Japan. He plays as a point guard and is currently part of the Memphis Grizzlies in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Standing at 1.73 meters and weighing 72 kg, Kawamura is known for his speed, court vision, and talent, despite his small stature, which makes him stand out in an environment where players are often much taller.
Early beginnings in Japan
A fan of Yuki Togashi, whom he idolized for his ability to shine despite his small stature (1.68m), Kawamura began attracting attention in high school. In January 2020, while still a student, he joined the San-en NeoPhoenix as a “special designated player.” During this period, he also led his high school, Fukuoka Daiichi, to consecutive victories in the Japanese national championships. In his first game, he became the youngest player in B.League history at just 18 years old.
Career
After his debut with the NeoPhoenix, Kawamura moved to Yokohama to play with the Yokohama B-Corsairs, still under special designation. He also left Tokai University to focus on his professional career. During the 2022-2023 season, he made a strong impression by winning the B.League MVP, Rookie of the Year, and earning a spot on the league’s best five. His stats speak for themselves: averaging 20.9 points and 8 assists, making him the best passer in the league.
NBA journey with the Grizzlies
On September 6, 2024, Kawamura signed with the Memphis Grizzlies under an Exhibit-10 contract. This type of contract allows young players to be tested before securing a longer contract, with the possibility of playing in both the NBA and the G League. In his early preseason appearances, he has already impressed with promising stats: 9 points, 7 assists, 1 steal, and 1 rebound in 25 minutes of play, shooting 3/7 from three-point range. His playing style even won over Tony Allen, a former defensive ace for the Grizzlies, who praised his ability to “break defenses” and sees him as a solid third point guard option.
Moreover, Kawamura, who came off the bench in four consecutive preseason games, made 3 of 7 three-pointers in 25 minutes, recording 9 points, 7 assists, 1 steal, and 1 rebound.
A born showman
Kawamura made a big impression during the 2024 Olympics with a spectacular performance against France, where he scored 29 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, and dished out 6 assists. Beyond international competitions, he quickly became a fan favorite during the Grizzlies’ open practices, where he even performed the famous “Griddy Dance” alongside Ja Morant, a moment that delighted fans. His teammate Jake LaRavia even said, “I think Yuki clearly stole the show today. He’s quite the character.“
A manga enthusiast
A fan of the manga Slam Dunk, Kawamura particularly identifies with the character Ryota Miyagi. In an interview with Hanako in 2021, he explained, “We share the same position as point guards, and he’s small with speed as his weapon […] Ryota Miyagi’s presence also motivated me.“
Personal life
In terms of his personal life, Kawamura is in a relationship with Mikoto Nakamori, a contestant from the audition show “PRODUCE 101 JAPAN THE GIRLS“. According to Jprime, they have known each other since high school and have been dating for several years. This relationship was confirmed by Japanese media after they were photographed together.

Salary
Kawamura’s exact salary has not been officially revealed. However, when he signed a three-year contract with the Yokohama B-Corsairs in June 2023, it was reported that he earned around 100 million yen per year (approximately 700,000 euros). With his Exhibit-10 contract in the NBA, he could potentially earn the league minimum salary, which is about $1.12 million per year, depending on his performance and contract length. According to enjoynba, this contract can be converted into a “two-way contract,” allowing him to play in both the NBA and G League, with a potential $50,000 bonus for 60 days played in the G League.