MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis Grizzlies have signed fan-favorite Japanese guard Yuki Kawamura to fill their final two-way contract spot.
Drew Hill from the Daily Memphian was the first to report the news and ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania has since confirmed the news on X.
The news comes after Kawamura averaged 3.4 points, 4.2 assists and 15.1 minutes in the preseason and led the Grizzlies with total assists over the preseason with 21.
The Grizzlies had an open two-way roster spot after they signed Scotty Pippen Jr. to a standard contract earlier this week in place of the now retired Derrick Rose.
The Grizzlies initially signed the Japanese star on a 10-day exhibit contract back in early September. Kawamura participated in training camp with the Grizzlies, stole the show during the Rookie dance off at an open practice and played in all of Memphis' preseason games.
At 5-foot-8, Kawamura now becomes the shortest active player in the NBA. He joins the Grizzlies after playing the past five seasons in the Japanese B. League where in 2022-23 he was name the Most Valuable Player with the Yokohama B-Corsairs. Kawamura went undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft.
The Japanese native started all 56 games for Yokohama last season and averaged 20.9 points, 3.0 rebounds and 8.0 assists in 30.6 minutes. He also represented Japan in the 2023 FIBA World Cup and the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Kawamura joins center Jay Huff and rookie guard Cam Spencer as the other two players on two-way deals with the Grizzlies.
The Grizzlies open the season on Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 8 p.m. at Utah. They'll play their first home-game of the new season on Saturday, Oct. 26 against Orlando.
