Yuki Kawamura has become one of the most talked-about names in the NBA, not just because of his skills but also for breaking barriers as the shortest active player in the league. At just 5’8″, Kawamura has inspired fans in both Japan and the United States, showing that heart, hustle, and talent matter more than height.
As a rookie with the Memphis Grizzlies, his journey from a small town in Japan to the world’s biggest basketball stage is nothing short of remarkable. Whether you’re a basketball fan or just love a good underdog story, Kawamura’s rise is sure to catch your attention.
Yuki Kawamura’s Biography
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Yuki Kawamura |
| Date of Birth | May 2, 2001 |
| Age | 23 years |
| Education | Fukuoka Daiichi High School, Tokai University (did not graduate) |
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Height | 5’8″ (1.73 m) |
| Weight | 159 lbs (72 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2019 (Japan B.League) |
| Net Worth | Approx. $500,000 |
| Salary/Career Earnings | $578,577 (2024-25 NBA season) |
| Wife/Girlfriend | N/A |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Yuki Kawamura was born in Yanai City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, on May 2, 2001. Both of his parents were school teachers, and he grew up with two older sisters. As a child, Kawamura was more interested in baseball and would play catch with his father daily. However, his interest shifted to basketball in second grade after he was drawn to the cool-looking basketball uniforms at a local sports store.
His father, Yoshikazu, was supportive of this new passion. He set up a basketball hoop in their yard and even built a homemade net to keep balls from rolling into nearby rice paddies. When it rained, his father would cover the yard with a tarp so Yuki could play as soon as the weather cleared. This dedication helped Yuki develop a deep love for basketball early on.
In junior high school, Kawamura balanced basketball and academics, attending cram school three times a week and consistently ranking among the top students in his class. Despite his small stature, he was a starter from his first year and worked hard to improve his skills. He was realistic about his future, knowing that height was a major advantage in basketball, but he never let that stop him from chasing his dreams.
Kawamura attended Fukuoka Daiichi High School, where he led his team to back-to-back All-Japanese High School championships. His playmaking and leadership quickly made him a standout. By the time he graduated, he had already become the youngest player to ever play in Japan’s B.League, debuting with the San-en NeoPhoenix at just 18 years old.
Instead of turning professional right away, Kawamura chose to attend Tokai University to build his physical strength and basketball IQ. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his college experience, and he returned home to focus on his physical development. During his first year at Tokai, he helped his team win the All-Japan University Basketball Championship and was named the tournament’s 3-point king.
Professional Career
Kawamura’s professional journey began in Japan’s B.League, where he made history as the youngest player to debut in the league. Starting with the San-en NeoPhoenix, he quickly became known for his court vision, speed, and ability to control the game despite being much shorter than most of his opponents.
After his stint with San-en NeoPhoenix, Kawamura moved to the Yokohama B-Corsairs, where he truly blossomed as a player. He was named B.League MVP and Rookie of the Year in the 2022-23 season, averaging 20.9 points and 8.0 assists per game. His leadership and playmaking helped Yokohama become a competitive team, and he became a fan favorite for his relentless energy and never-give-up attitude.
Kawamura’s success in Japan also led to international recognition. He joined the Japanese national team in 2022, playing in the FIBA Asia Cup, the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, and the 2024 Paris Olympics.
In the Olympics, he had a standout performance against France, scoring 29 points and becoming only the third player in Olympic history to record 25+ points, 5+ rebounds, and 5+ assists in a single game. This performance, along with his consistent play in the B.League, helped him secure a contract with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Kawamura signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Grizzlies. After impressing in training camp and preseason games, his deal was converted into a two-way contract in October 2024. This allowed him to split his time between the Grizzlies and their G-League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle.
Kawamura made his NBA debut on October 25, 2024, becoming the fourth Japanese player in NBA history and the shortest active player in the league. Despite limited minutes, he quickly became a fan favorite in Memphis, known for his flashy no-look passes, quick decision-making, and fearless play against much taller opponents.
Throughout the 2024-25 season, he appeared in 22 games, scoring a total of 36 points, dishing out 19 assists, and grabbing 12 rebounds. His best game came in the final regular season match, where he scored a career-high 12 points, along with 5 assists and 5 rebounds, earning a +29 plus-minus rating.
Yuki Kawamura’s Net Worth Details
Yuki Kawamura’s net worth is estimated to be $500,000 as of 2025.
Contract
Yuki Kawamura signed a one-year two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies for the 2024-25 NBA season. This two-way deal allows him to split his time between the Grizzlies’ main roster and their G-League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle, giving him valuable NBA experience while continuing his development.
The contract is valued at $578,577 for the season, which is the standard salary for NBA two-way players. It is a non-guaranteed agreement, meaning the team can make roster changes as needed throughout the season. Kawamura’s contract reflects both his potential and the opportunity for him to prove himself at the highest level of basketball.
Salary
For the 2024-25 NBA season, Yuki Kawamura’s salary is set at $578,577, which is the standard pay for players on a two-way contract. This salary allows him to earn while splitting time between the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA and the Memphis Hustle in the G-League.
Although this amount is less than the NBA rookie minimum, it represents a significant step up from his previous earnings in Japan’s B.League. Kawamura’s salary could increase in the future if he secures a full NBA contract or receives more call-ups to the main roster, reflecting his growth and performance in the league.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | League | Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | Memphis Grizzlies | NBA (Two-way) | $578,577 |
NBA Career Stats
| Season | Team | Games | Minutes | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Steals | Blocks | FG% | 3P% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | Memphis Grizzlies | 20 | 3.2 | 1.2 | 0.4 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 36.4% | 25.0% | 66.7% |
FAQs
1. Who is Yuki Kawamura?
Yuki Kawamura is a Japanese professional basketball player born on May 2, 2001. He currently plays as a point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA and is recognized as the shortest active player in the league, standing at 5 feet 8 inches tall.
2. What teams has Yuki Kawamura played for during his career?
Kawamura began his professional career with San-en NeoPhoenix in Japan’s B.League, then played for the Yokohama B-Corsairs. In 2024, he signed with the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA, becoming one of the few Japanese players to reach the league.
3. What notable achievements has Yuki Kawamura earned in his basketball career?
Kawamura has won several awards, including B.League Rookie of the Year, Best Five, Assist King, All-Star selections, and the league MVP. He also received the ‘Kokoro, Tagiru’ Award, which honors individuals who inspire B.League fans.
4. How did Yuki Kawamura perform in college basketball?
While at Tokai University, Kawamura led his team to an intercollegiate championship and was named assists champion and three-point champion. He was recognized as the Kanto University League Assist King and Outstanding Player before leaving college to turn professional.
5. What is Yuki Kawamura’s playing style and strengths?
Kawamura is known for his quickness, exceptional passing, and game management. He excels in assists and is working to improve his three-point shooting. His ability to make no-look passes and manage the game has made him a standout, despite his shorter stature.
6. When did Yuki Kawamura make his NBA debut, and how did he perform?
Kawamura made his NBA debut with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2024. In one of his early games, he scored a career-high 10 points and recorded 7 assists in a win against the Indiana Pacers, showing his potential at the highest level.
7. What is significant about Yuki Kawamura’s height in the NBA?
Kawamura is the shortest active NBA player, nearly a foot shorter than the league average. His success challenges traditional expectations about height in professional basketball and has made him a fan favorite.
8. What inspired Yuki Kawamura to pursue basketball?
Growing up in Yanai, Yamaguchi, Kawamura was inspired by Yuki Togashi, another successful but shorter Japanese basketball player. Watching Togashi excel motivated Kawamura to work hard and believe he could succeed despite his height.
9. What is Yuki Kawamura’s jersey number?
Kawamura has worn different numbers throughout his career. He wore #0 for San-en NeoPhoenix, #5 for Yokohama B-Corsairs, and continues to wear #5 in the NBA with the Memphis Grizzlies.
10. How has Yuki Kawamura impacted Japanese basketball?
Kawamura is only the fourth Japanese player to compete in the NBA, following in the footsteps of Rui Hachimura, Yuta Watanabe, and Yuta Tabuse. His journey has inspired many young players in Japan, showing that determination and skill can overcome physical limitations.
