5'8 Grizzlies Point Guard Yuki Kawamura Is Electric As Hell

Dylan Buell. Getty Images.

Remember back in the Olympics when Japan got completely boned in their 94-90 OT thriller against host country France? Man the home cooking was bullshit in that game, especially the final play of regulation to gift France a crucial 4 point play

The point guard from Japan in this photo contesting the shot is Yuki Kawamura, and he was incredible in that game. He finished with 29/7/6 with 6 3PM while pretty much putting Japan on his back down the stretch. Nobody on France could stay in front of him, he was cashing threes like he was Steph Curry while unleashing a handle like he was Kyrie, it was awesome. 

Earlier in September the Grizzlies signed Kawamura to an Exhibition 10 deal, and it's safe to say he's been just as electric for the Grizzlies as he was for Japan despite being 5'8

I mean, that no-look assist to a cutting Jay Huff was absolutely nasty. The no-look spin to Edey? Electric city. He backed up his legit range that he showed in the Olympics with some deep threes that were pure as hell, and overall while there may be limitations given his height there's no denying that Kawamura finds ways to make an impact. Plus any time we get a small dude doing cool shit on an NBA court it will always play. It's what made Isaiah Thomas so awesome, we're seeing it now with small guards like Jose Alvarado (also electric), there's just something about these smaller dudes carving up a court full of giants that will always be entertaining. Add in the fact that there's real talent there and it's even better. 

Advertisement

Given the entire Grizzlies roster isn't hurt heading into the season, I'm guessing he probably won't make the final roster, but there's no reason he shouldn't join the Grizzlies G-League team if he wants to. There's NBA talent in that 5'8 frame, and if someone goes down with an injury at the guard spot, why not give Kawamura some run? Yes, he's going to immediately be targeted defensively, but there are enough plus defenders on the Grizzlies to make up for it. I need Kawamura/Edey P&Rs like I need air to breathe, especially over the course of an 82 game schedule. The optics alone would make it worth it 

I'm just saying, if you have nothing to do on Friday night, flip on the MEM/MIA preseason finale and watch Yuki Kawamura play. You will not be disappointed.