Yuki Kawamura: NBA's shortest player at 1.73 m from Japan

Yuki Kawamura: NBA's shortest player at 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 in the NBA

“It's not like I can do dunks at all,” says the NBA's current smallest player, who is nearly a foot below the league's average height. He is the only active player on an NBA roster who is shorter than 1.83 meters.

A fan favorite in his rookie season

Nevertheless, the 23-year-old Memphis Grizzlies guard quickly won the hearts of fans in his rookie season. His effortless no-look passes and impressive jump shots make him a player who wants to prove himself in the league. "I think my strengths are assists and controlling the game. I hope I can use these strengths to contribute to the team's victory," Kawamura said in an interview with CNN Sport. He also works diligently on his three-point shots.

A path full of challenges

Kawamura is only the fourth Japanese player in NBA history. His journey to the top has taken him from Yanai, a quiet town in southwestern Japan, to international fame. He is following in the footsteps of stars like Rui Hachimura from the Los Angeles Lakers and former Grizzlies player Yuta Watanabe.

Inspiring role models

“He was the first Japanese NBA player, and his game inspired me to work hard at basketball,” Kawamura said of Yuta Tabuse, who played four games for the Phoenix Suns during the 2004-05 season. After a distinguished career in high school, Kawamura rose to international prominence last year Olympic Games in Paris.

An unforgettable experience

The image of the diminutive Japanese guard playing against the 7-foot-2 center Victor Wembanyama of France was one of the most memorable moments of the games. Although France won the hard-fought game in overtime, Kawamura was the top scorer with 29 points and his agility and understanding of the game were impressive. “Exit in the first round of the Olympics was a ‘bitter’ defeat,” Kawamura admitted, but he also acknowledged the importance of his own performance, which earned him a two-year NBA contract in October.

A life for basketball

This was the culmination of a lifelong dream for Kawamura, who grew up idolizing the game's biggest stars. "I just couldn't believe it. I've been following the NBA through videos since I was little, players like that Michael Jordan " he said. "The fact that I was on the same field, sitting on the bench, was incredible."

A new friend and mentor

Today, Kawamura draws inspiration from an All-Star teammate - with whom he has also formed an unexpected friendship. “Ja Morant is like my big brother,” says Kawamura. "He's been helping me since I arrived in America. Even now, he's teaching me basketball skills and English."

Outstanding performances in the G League

Kawamura has performed exceptionally well this season for the Memphis Hustle in the G League, the NBA's development league, averaging 12.9 points per game. Although his playing time with the Grizzlies was limited, he delighted fans with a personal-best 10 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder in December.