Yuki Kawamura: NBA’s smallest player with 1.73 m from Japan

Yuki Kawamura: NBA’s smallest player with 1.73 m from Japan

With a height of just 1.73 meters, Yuki Kawamura could be considered a surprise in basketball.

The smallest player of the NBA

"It's not like doing Dunkings at all," says the currently smallest NBA player, who is almost a foot of the average size in the league. He is the only active player on an NBA roster that is less than 1.83 meters.

a fan favorite in his rookies season

Nevertheless, the 23-year-old Guard of Memphis Grizzlies quickly conquered the hearts of fans in his rookies season. His effortless no-look passes and his impressive jumping throws make him a player who wants to prove himself in the league. "I think my strengths are in the assists and in the control of the game. I hope that I can use these strengths to contribute to the victory of the team," said Kawamura in an interview with CNN Sport. He also works hard on his three -point throws.

a path full of challenges

Kawamura is only the fourth Japanese player in the history of the NBA. His journey to the top brought him from Yanai, a calm city in southwestern Japan, to international fame. He follows the footsteps of stars like Rui Hachimura from the Los Angeles Lakers and the former grizzlies player Yuta Watanabe.

inspiring role models

"He was the first Japanese NBA player and his game inspired me to work hard on basketball," said Kawamura about Yuta Tabuse, who played four games for the Phoenix Sun in the 2004-05 season. After a remarkable career in the High School, Kawamura made the leap to international celebrity with the Olympic Games in Paris .

an unforgettable experience

The image of the little Japanese Guard, which plays against the 2.21 meter center Victor Wembanyama from France, was one of the most memorable moments of the games. Although France won the highly competitive game in extra time, Kawamura was impressive with 29 points of the top scorer and his mobility and his understanding of the game. "Delivering out in the first round of the Olympic Games was a 'bitter' defeat," admitted Kawamura, but he also recognized the importance of his own performance, which earned him a two -year contract in the NBA in October.

a life for basketball

This was the highlight of a life dream for Kawamura, who worshiped the greatest stars of the game as a child. "I just couldn't believe it. Since I was small, I have followed the NBA via videos, players like Michael Jordan ". "The fact that I was on the same field was on the bench was incredible."

a new friend and mentor

Today Kawamura creates inspiration from an all-star team mate-with which he also made an unexpected friendship. "Yes Morant is like my big brother," says Kawamura. "He has been helping me since I arrived in America. Even now he teaches me basketball skills and English."

outstanding achievements in the G League

Kawamura showed outstanding achievements for the Memphis Hustle in the G League, the development league of the NBA, the development league of the NBA development league and scores an average of 12.9 points per game. Although his playing time was limited to the Grizzlies, he delighted the fans with a personal best of 10 points when playing against the Oklahoma City Thunder in December.