Yuki Kawamura: The 172cm Guard Chasing the NBA
Yuki Kawamura: The 172cm Guard Chasing the NBA
At just 5’8”, he’s defied every assumption about size to reach the world’s biggest league. Yuki Kawamura is Japan’s most exciting young guard — and one of the smallest players ever to take an NBA court.
Yuki Kawamura is Japan’s breakout young point guard — and, at around 172cm (5’8”), one of the smallest players to reach the NBA in the modern era. After starring for the Yokohama B-Corsairs and Japan’s national team, he earned NBA two-way contracts — with the Memphis Grizzlies (2024–25) and then the Chicago Bulls — continuing to push for a permanent NBA place. Like many on two-way deals, his roster status has fluctuated, but his speed, vision and fearlessness have made him a global fan favourite.
1. Who Yuki Kawamura is
A tiny guard with an enormous game.
Yuki Kawamura is a lightning-quick point guard celebrated for his court vision, passing and relentless competitiveness. He made his name with the Yokohama B-Corsairs in the B.League and became a key figure for the Japan national team.1 ⚠ His NBA roster status changes often — check his current team.
2. Defying size
In a sport defined by height, Kawamura stands out for the opposite reason. At around 172cm, he is one of the smallest players to reach the NBA in recent memory — and he competes through elite quickness, anticipation and passing rather than size.2 His success challenges one of basketball’s oldest assumptions, which is a big part of why fans around the world have embraced him.
3. The NBA journey
Kawamura earned his NBA shot the hard way, signing two-way contracts — first with the Memphis Grizzlies (2024–25), then with the Chicago Bulls — while continuing to develop.2 As is common for two-way players, his place on an NBA roster has moved around (including time in the development G-League and contract changes). The headline, though, is simple: a 172cm guard from the B.League made it to the NBA at all. ⚠ His current team and contract change frequently — confirm the latest.
4. Why he matters
- He breaks the size rule. One of the smallest players to reach the NBA.
- He’s a B.League success story. From Yokohama to the world’s biggest league.
- He’s a global fan favourite. Proof that skill and speed can beat the odds.
In five lines
- Yuki Kawamura is Japan’s breakout young point guard, around 172cm tall.
- He starred for the Yokohama B-Corsairs and the Japan national team.
- He earned NBA two-way deals with Memphis and then Chicago.
- His NBA roster status has fluctuated, as is common for two-way players. ⚠
- He’s one of the smallest players to reach the NBA — and a worldwide fan favourite.
The players carrying Japan’s flag
Explore Japan’s talent in the NBA and at home in the B.League.
Sources & notes
- Yuki Kawamura — Yokohama B-Corsairs and Japan national team; point guard, ~172cm. Wikipedia (JA)
- NBA two-way deals: Memphis Grizzlies (2024–25), then Chicago Bulls (2025); roster/contract status has fluctuated. Basketball King
A player profile dated 14 June 2026. Two-way contracts and rosters change very frequently — flagged ⚠ items should be confirmed against official NBA / B.League sources.
📅 更新履歴
| 日付 | 変更内容 |
|---|---|
| 2026年6月14日 | 初回公開 |
✅ ファクト再検証
最終検証日：2026年6月14日
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