The place does Yuki Kawamura rank amongst shortest gamers in NBA historical past
Japan’s Yuki Kawamura is presently the shortest NBA participant, standing at simply 5 ft 8 inches (1.73 meters), in response to Sporting Information. Kawamura is barely the fourth Japanese participant to ever play within the NBA, following within the footsteps of Rui Hachimura, Yuta Watanabe, and Yuta Tabuse. His journey from Japan to the NBA has been nothing wanting outstanding.
“It’s not like I can do any dunk photographs,” Kawamura informed CNN Sports activities, however he’s engaged on his three-point taking pictures.
Kawamura’s record-breaking efficiency got here through the Paris Olympics in 2024, the place he scored 39 factors towards the host staff, France. The key spotlight was the distinction of the 5-foot-8 guard squaring off towards the 7-foot-3 Victor Wembanyama. Though Japan misplaced in time beyond regulation, his efficiency helped him land a two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies in October 2024.
“I merely couldn’t imagine it,” Kawamura stated of his NBA call-up. “Ever since I used to be little, I watched the NBA by way of movies, gamers like Michael Jordan. The truth that I used to be on the identical court docket, sitting on that bench, was unbelievable.”
Kawamura has rapidly gained over followers in Memphis regardless of restricted enjoying time. He set a career-high with 10 factors towards the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder in December, and his playmaking expertise have continued to shine within the G League.
“Once I hear these cheers, I really feel each nice gratitude and the want to dwell as much as the expectations that the followers have for me, and I really feel that day by day,” he stated. “I’d wish to turn into a participant who can obtain calls like ‘we would like Yuki’ through the vital moments of the sport.”
Bond with Ja Morant
Since becoming a member of Memphis, Kawamura has fashioned a powerful bond with teammate Ja Morant.
“Ja Morant is like my large brother, actually,” Kawamura stated. “From once I arrived in America, he’s been serving to me. Even now, he teaches me basketball expertise and English.”
As per Sporting Information, the shortest participant in NBA historical past was Muggsy Bogues, who stood at simply 5 ft 3 inches (1.60 meters).
Shortest Gamers within the NBA:
