‘Heart over height': Yuki Kawamura searches for NBA spot during Chicago Bulls summer stint
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The second-year point guard understands the challenge. Last season, Kawamura was the shortest player in the NBA at 5-foot-8 (1.72 metres). No matter. He won a training camp contract, then a two-way deal with the Memphis Grizzlies. His playing time was not much – 93 minutes in total – but it was enough to showcase his abilities as a playmaker at the highest level.
This year is no different. Kawamura knows he can make an impact in this league. And he will take any opportunity to prove that point, again and again.
'I believe I still can play in the NBA,' Kawamura said after his first NBA Summer League game with the Chicago Bulls. 'I want to get a contract – two-way, whatever. I just want to get a contract.'
Summer league games are not typical NBA games. They move too quickly for fans of specific teams to pack the stands. So Friday's match-up between the Bulls and the Toronto Raptors was not punctuated with much in the way of applause or cheers – until Kawamura came on the court.
Japan's Yuki Kawamura puts up a shot against Finland during their World Cup game in 2023. Photo: Kyodo
When the guard entered the game midway through the first quarter, a row of fans decked out in hachimakis (helmet-scars) and Japan basketball gear sprang to their feet, lofting posters and blown-up photos of Kawamura's headshot.
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South China Morning Post
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‘Heart over height': Yuki Kawamura searches for NBA spot during Chicago Bulls summer stint
Yuki Kawamura came to Las Vegas with a simple goal: get a contract. Advertisement The second-year point guard understands the challenge. Last season, Kawamura was the shortest player in the NBA at 5-foot-8 (1.72 metres). No matter. He won a training camp contract, then a two-way deal with the Memphis Grizzlies. His playing time was not much – 93 minutes in total – but it was enough to showcase his abilities as a playmaker at the highest level. This year is no different. Kawamura knows he can make an impact in this league. And he will take any opportunity to prove that point, again and again. 'I believe I still can play in the NBA,' Kawamura said after his first NBA Summer League game with the Chicago Bulls. 'I want to get a contract – two-way, whatever. I just want to get a contract.' Summer league games are not typical NBA games. They move too quickly for fans of specific teams to pack the stands. So Friday's match-up between the Bulls and the Toronto Raptors was not punctuated with much in the way of applause or cheers – until Kawamura came on the court. Japan's Yuki Kawamura puts up a shot against Finland during their World Cup game in 2023. Photo: Kyodo When the guard entered the game midway through the first quarter, a row of fans decked out in hachimakis (helmet-scars) and Japan basketball gear sprang to their feet, lofting posters and blown-up photos of Kawamura's headshot.
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