[JAPAN SPORTS NOTEBOOK] Yuki Kawamura Vying for a Roster Spot on the Memphis Grizzlies

Read the full story on SportsLook - [JAPAN SPORTS NOTEBOOK] Yuki Kawamura Vying For a Roster Spot on the Memphis Grizzlies

In his NBA preseason debut on Monday, October 7, Yuki Kawamura maximized his playing time.

The Japanese point guard contributed five points, nailing his lone 3-point shot from the left baseline, and three assists in nine minutes of court time, all in the fourth quarter, in the Memphis Grizzlies' 121-116 road win over the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center.

Speaking in Memphis on Thursday before the Grizzlies faced the Charlotte Hornets in their second of five preseason matches, the former B.League MVP said, "I want to keep making a good impression."

In a 119-94 defeat to the Hornets, Kawamura was held scoreless in nine minutes. He shot 0-for-4, including a pair of 3-point misses. Kawamura dished out one assist and had one turnover.

Defining how he plays, Kawamura pointed out that he refuses to be lackadaisical.

"Whether I play 40 minutes or one minute, nothing changes," Kawamura was quoted as saying by Kyodo News before the game. "Whenever I'm on the court, I play at 100 percent."

The Grizzlies open their 2024-25 season on the road on October 23 against the Utah Jazz. 

Will Kawamura be among the players on their roster for opening night? 

Or will the 23-year-old Yamaguchi Prefecture native be assigned to play for the franchise's NBA G League affiliate (Memphis Hustle)?

Insights on Yuki Kawamura

Kawamura's energy and flashy play, including zipping a quick pass to Jaylen Wells in the paint, grabbed the attention of Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd during Monday's game.

"He's really good," Kidd told reporters in a postgame news conference before adding, "He's good, he's 5-foot-8 (172 cm), but I love his effort and his ability to attack and play-make." 

The 2018 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee then said, "He was really good tonight for Memphis. I really wish him the best of luck in his NBA career."

After an open practice for fans on October 6 at FedEx Forum, Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins noted that Kawamura is "a guy that's full of energy."

The day's festivities included a rookie dance competition, which Kawamura won, a 3-point shootout and a skills competition.

"He's got a bubbling personality," Jenkins was quoted as saying by The Commercial Appeal, a Memphis newspaper. "I'm glad he was able to showcase that in front of the fans."

In the run-up to the start of the team's preseason slate of games, Grizzlies rookie Zach Edey, who is 7-foot-4, said Kawamura's fearless play grabbed his attention during a workout.

"He was just driving straight at me, like first possession," Edey said, according to The Commercial Appeal, adding, "He plays bigger than he is."

Edey continued, "He drives in the paint, he's trying to make plays, he's trying to get to the rim. [And] he's really good."

Yuki Kawamura Outlines His Goals

Kawamura was one of the B.League's up-and-coming stars during his four seasons (2020-24) with the Yokohama B-Corsairs and a key contributor for the Japan national team at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup and the 2024 Paris Olympics.

He averaged 19.5 points and 8.4 assists (No 1 in the 24-team league) in the 2022-23 season and was named the B.League MVP. The following season he scored 20.9 points per game (No 2 in the league) and handed out a league-best 8.0 assists per contest.

During an interview with reporters during the preseason, Kawamura explained what his daily objective is on the basketball court.

"So far, so good," Kawamura said, according to The Commercial Appeal. "I'm super excited to play here. Good experience for me. I have to get better every single day. Happy to be here."

That attitude has been on display while he plays, according to Grizzlies teammate Luke Kennard.

"He's fierce, he's a competitor and he loves the game of basketball," Kennard told The Commercial Appeal. "I like what I've seen from him for sure. He's talented [and] he's going to make a lot of money playing the game."

Kawamura solidified his chances of playing for the Grizzlies at the outset of the 2024-25 season by dishing out a team-high eight assists in 24 minutes against the host Chicago Bulls on Saturday, October 12. The Grizzlies won 124-121.

Continue reading the full story, which includes news items on soccer, volleyball and more, on SportsLook.

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Author: Ed Odeven

Find Ed on JAPAN Forward's dedicated website, SportsLook. Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven.