The Memphis Grizzlies’ preseason game against the Dallas Mavericks saw the Grizzlies edge out a 121-116 victory, but the spotlight was stolen by two exciting rookies: Yuki Kawamura and Zhou Zhihai. Both players, hailing from Asia, attracted significant attention from fans. However, it was Kawamura, standing at just 172 cm, who stole the show with his dazzling debut, earning the title of “Asia’s No. 1 Point Guard” in the process.
A Dazzling NBA Debut for Yuki Kawamura
Coming off the bench, Kawamura played only 9 minutes, but he made every second count. The Japanese guard managed to score 5 points and provide 3 assists, quickly capturing the attention of the basketball world. Kawamura wasted no time, showing off his signature quickness and court vision. He drained a difficult three-pointer from the baseline, causing fans to erupt in cheers.
At only 172 cm tall, Kawamura may be one of the shortest players on the court, but his heart and determination are towering. His confident demeanor and his fearless approach against much taller defenders had commentators and fans alike buzzing. The way he seamlessly transitioned from defense to offense, orchestrating plays with flair, made his debut a memorable one.
Making an Impact Beyond Scoring
Kawamura wasn’t just focused on scoring. He displayed his exceptional playmaking skills by delivering multiple precise assists, the highlight being a slick bounce pass to teammate Jay Huff, who finished it off with an impressive reverse dunk. Kawamura’s court awareness and ability to find open teammates brought a fresh dynamic to the Grizzlies’ second unit.
The 4th quarter saw Kawamura taking on more responsibilities. In addition to hitting a three-pointer, he also drew a foul and calmly sank both free throws, demonstrating his composure under pressure. His solid contributions in limited minutes showed that he belongs in this league.
Zhou Zhihai’s Solid Performance
On the other side, Kawamura’s fellow rookie, Zhou Zhihai, started for the Grizzlies and played 18 minutes, scoring 6 points and grabbing 7 rebounds. While Zhou’s game wasn’t as flashy, his strong presence in the paint and ability to rebound effectively made him an essential part of the Grizzlies’ preseason win. His potential to contribute to the team’s frontcourt depth is apparent, but it was Kawamura’s electric debut that captivated fans and analysts alike.
Exhibit-10 Contract and What It Means for Kawamura
Currently, Kawamura is signed to an Exhibit-10 contract with the Memphis Grizzlies. This type of deal is a non-guaranteed, minimum-salary contract that allows the team to keep Kawamura without affecting their salary cap. Essentially, Kawamura has to prove his worth during the preseason to turn this into a two-way contract, which would officially make him a part of the Grizzlies’ roster for the regular season.
Based on his first game, Kawamura seems poised to make a strong case. His ability to adapt to the speed and physicality of the NBA is evident, and if he continues to impress, we could very well see him on the Grizzlies’ roster come the regular season.
Former No. 1 Pick Kwame Brown’s Criticism of Young Players
Interestingly, as Kawamura dazzled in his debut, former NBA No. 1 pick Kwame Brown weighed in on the challenges rookies face in today’s league. Brown, known for his candid and often controversial opinions, has been critical of young players who rely too much on their athleticism without understanding the fundamentals of basketball. While he didn’t specifically mention Kawamura, Brown’s remarks about rookies trying to find their place in the league resonate with what Kawamura must overcome to succeed.
Despite being smaller in stature, Kawamura has shown a deep understanding of the game’s fundamentals—playmaking, spacing, and basketball IQ—that has allowed him to thrive even against taller, more athletic opponents.
What’s Next for Kawamura and the Grizzlies?
With this strong showing, Kawamura has certainly made a name for himself. The preseason is just beginning, and he will have more opportunities to prove that he deserves a permanent spot on the Grizzlies’ roster. For now, fans in Memphis—and across Asia—are excited to see what else he can bring to the table.
Should he continue to deliver impressive performances like his debut, it’s not hard to imagine that Kawamura will soon transition from a player on an Exhibit-10 contract to a fixture on the Grizzlies’ roster. His tenacity, court vision, and ability to make an impact in limited minutes are exactly what teams look for in a reliable point guard.
FAQs
Yuki Kawamura played 9 minutes in the Grizzlies’ preseason game against the Mavericks, scoring 5 points and delivering 3 assists. His impressive debut showcased his court vision and playmaking abilities.
Kawamura is signed to an Exhibit-10 contract, a non-guaranteed deal that allows the team flexibility. If he impresses during preseason, his contract could be converted into a two-way deal.
Zhou Zhihai started for the Grizzlies, playing 18 minutes and contributing 6 points and 7 rebounds. His solid performance showed his potential as a frontcourt player.
Kwame Brown has been critical of young players relying too heavily on athleticism without understanding the fundamentals of the game. Kawamura, however, has demonstrated strong basketball IQ and fundamentals.
If Kawamura continues to perform well in the preseason, he has a strong chance of turning his Exhibit-10 contract into a two-way deal and securing a spot on the Grizzlies’ regular-season roster.
Conclusion
Yuki Kawamura’s NBA debut was nothing short of spectacular. In just 9 minutes of play, the 172 cm point guard from Japan managed to score 5 points, dish out 3 assists, and leave a lasting impression on both fans and critics. His dynamic performance showed that he has the potential to carve out a place in the NBA, despite his small stature.
With more preseason games ahead, Kawamura will look to build on this momentum and secure a permanent spot with the Memphis Grizzlies. For now, his Exhibit-10 contract keeps him on the fringes, but if his debut is anything to go by, the future is looking bright for Asia’s No. 1 Point Guard.
