Yuki Kawamura Made NBA History in Debut Game

Memphis Grizzlies guard Yuki Kawamura (17) dribbles during the second half against the Orlando Magic at FedExForum. Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Yuki Kawamura Made NBA History in Debut Game

Originally posted on Memphis Grizzlies on SI
By Joey Linn | Last updated Oct 27, 2024 4:45 PM ET

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The Memphis Grizzlies signed Japanese guard Yuki Kawamura to a two-way contract prior to the NBA season beginning. Promoting Scotty Pippen Jr. to a standard contract after Derrick Rose retired, the Grizzlies created a two-way opening that went to Kawamura.

While the 5-foot-8 guard does not project to play many NBA minutes, he is already a fan favorite. A superstar in Japan, Kawamura has a massive following that now also follows the Grizzlies.

Kawamura made his NBA debut on Friday night against the Houston Rockets, playing three minutes in the Grizzles’ 128-108 loss. Making his first appearance at home on Saturday against the Orlando Magic, Kawamura got a loud ovation.

Via Drew Hill of The Daily Memphian: "Good morning, Japan. The crowd in Memphis is going WILD for Yuki Kawamura's first appearance at FedExForum."

Good morning, Japan.

The crowd in Memphis is going WILD for Yuki Kawamura's first appearance at FedExForum. pic.twitter.com/nVrNZxdLtq
— Drew Hill (@DrewHill_DM) October 27, 2024

Friday's game was a history-making appearance for Kawamura, as the NBA shared he is just the fourth Japanese player to make their debut.

Via NBA Japan (translated to English by X): “The fourth Japanese player in the NBA is born ”

日本人4人目のNBAプレイヤー誕生 #河村勇輝 @KawamuraYuki #NBA #GrindCity @memgrizz #NBAHighlights #NBAJPN pic.twitter.com/5ZQi0KwMMV
— NBA Japan (@NBAJPN) October 26, 2024

Kawamura shared an embrace with Grizzlies star Ja Morant after Saturday's game that he spoke about with reporters.

"It was a special moment," Kawamura said. "Ja is my great friend. He is my guy."

I asked Yuki Kawamura about his hug with Ja Morant after the game.

"It was a special moment," he said.

"Ja is my great friend. He is my guy." pic.twitter.com/YLDz22EkU1
— Drew Hill (@DrewHill_DM) October 27, 2024

Kawamura is still looking for his first NBA points, having missed his first two field goal attempts. The Grizzlies' next game is against the Chicago Bulls on Sunday.

This article first appeared on Memphis Grizzlies on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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