Basketball: Yuki Kawamura becomes 4th Japanese player to appear in NBA

HOUSTON (Kyodo) — Yuki Kawamura became the fourth Japanese player to appear in the U.S. National Basketball Association on Friday as he debuted off the bench for the Memphis Grizzlies in the fourth quarter of their 128-108 loss to the Houston Rockets.

The 23-year-old point guard played 3 minutes and 34 seconds at Toyota Center in Houston as he followed in the footsteps of Yuta Tabuse with the Phoenix Suns in 2004, Yuta Watanabe with the Grizzlies in 2018 and Rui Hachimura with the Washington Wizards in 2019.

The smallest player in the league at 173 centimeters, Kawamura registered his first NBA assist when he set up Jaylen Wells’ layup for the Grizzlies’ last points of the game with 74 seconds remaining.

“I decided on moving to the United States with the aim of standing on the NBA court, so the moment the dream came true was special,” Kawamura said.

“I can only thank the coach and those around me for giving me this opportunity. I’ve finally stood on the starting line. I believe there is much more of a challenge to come.”

Kawamura is the first Japanese player from the country’s B-League to play in the NBA, having made his domestic debut with San-en Neophoenix in 2020 before signing his first professional contract with Yokohama B-Corsairs in 2022.

The B-League MVP and Rookie of the Year in the 2022-23 season, Kawamura initially signed an Exhibit 10 training camp contract with the Grizzlies in September.

It was upgraded to a two-way deal, which allows him to split his time between the team and its developmental G League affiliate, after he made a strong impression while playing as a reserve in all five preseason games.

“I don’t change, wherever I’m playing,” said Kawamura, who gave his trademark bow while stepping onto the NBA court for the first time. “Being able to play is not something to be taken for granted. I pledged to give my all each time I enter the court.”

The Yamaguchi Prefecture native was a standout both at the World Cup co-hosted by Japan last year and at this summer’s Paris Olympics, where he averaged 20.3 points and 7.7 assists.

He gained worldwide attention by scoring a game-high 29 points as Japan nearly shocked host France in a group-stage match at this year’s Paris Olympics, a 94-90 overtime loss against the eventual silver medalist.

“I want to give performances that make small children, not just in Japan, but around the world, aspire to play in the NBA,” Kawamura said.

NBA predecessors Tabuse and Watanabe were among those who posted messages congratulating Kawamura on the milestone.

“Cherish every moment, make the most of each day and do your best to achieve your goals in the NBA,” 44-year-old Utsunomiya Brex guard Tabuse said in a statement through his team.