Yuki Kawamura Biography: Yuki Kawamura born May 2, 2001 is a Japanese professional basketball player currently signed with the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA on a two-way contract with their G League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle. Kawamura also represents Japan’s national team, having competed in both the 2023 FIBA World Cup and the 2024 Summer Olympics. As of now, he holds the distinction of being the shortest active player in the NBA.
Yuki Kawamura Biography
Yuki Kawamura is a Japanese professional basketball player who, as of October 2024, plays for the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA. His journey to the NBA began in January 2020, when he joined the San-en NeoPhoenix as a “special designated player” while still in high school. During his time at Fukuoka Daiichi High School, he led the team to consecutive victories in the All-Japanese High School championships. Kawamura later moved to the Yokohama B-Corsairs, where he had an outstanding 2022-23 season, earning accolades such as B.League MVP, Rookie of the Year, and a spot on the Best Five team. On the international stage, Kawamura has represented Japan across multiple levels, beginning with the 2017 FIBA U16 Asian Championships and progressing to the senior national team in July 2022.
Yuki Kawamura Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
2 May 2001 (age 23)
Yanai, Yamaguchi, Japan |
| Listed height |
5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) |
| Listed weight |
159 lb (72 kg) |
| High school |
Fukuoka Daiichi
(Fukuoka, Fukuoka) |
| College |
Tokai University |
| NBA draft |
2023: undrafted |
| Playing career |
2019–present |
| Category |
Football Biographies |
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About Yuki Kawamura
Yuki Kawamura is a Japanese professional basketball player for the Memphis Grizzlies of the National Basketball Association, on a two-way contract with the Memphis Hustle of the NBA G League. He also plays for the Japan national team, with whom he played at the 2023 World Cup and 2024 Olympics.
Yuki Kawamura Wiki
- Born: 2 May 2001 (age 23 years), Yanai, Yamaguchi, Japan
- Height: 72 m
- Weight: 72 kg
- Current teams: Memphis Grizzlies (#17 / Point guard), Japan
- Dates joined: 2024 (Memphis Grizzlies), 2022 (Yokohama B-Corsairs)
- College: Tokai University
- High school: Fukuoka Daiichi; (Fukuoka, Fukuoka)
High School Career
Hailing from Yanai, Yamaguchi, Kawamura grew up admiring Yuki Togashi, a fellow undersized player who thrived on the professional and national stages despite his 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) frame. Kawamura attended Fukuoka Daiichi High School, where he led his team to consecutive All-Japanese High School Championship titles, showcasing his leadership and talent early on.
Professional Career
Kawamura began his professional career while still in high school, joining San-en NeoPhoenix in January 2020 under a “special designated player” status. At just 18 years old, he became the youngest player ever to appear in a B.League game, and shortly after, the youngest to score in league history. Later in 2020, Kawamura signed with the Yokohama B-Corsairs, continuing under special designation while enrolling at Tokai University. He ultimately left college to pursue basketball full-time at the start of the 2022–23 season. The decision paid off quickly—he was named the B.League MVP, earned Rookie of the Year, and was selected to the Best Five Team, solidifying his status as one of Japan’s top rising stars.
Yuki Kawamura Contract Details
According to Hoopshype, Yuki Kawamura signed a one-year two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2024. His contract provides him with an annual salary of $578,577.
Breakdown of the Contract:
- Year: 2024-25
- Base Salary: $578,577
- Signing Bonus: None
- Cap Hit: $578,577
- Dead Cap: None
- Yearly Cash: $578,577
How much does Yuki Kawamura earn per year?
For the 2024/25 NBA season, Yuki Kawamura will earn $578,577 from his one-year two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies, as reported by Hoopshype.
How much does Yuki Kawamura make per minute?
Based on his salary of $578,577 for the 2024/25 NBA season, Kawamura earns approximately $1.10 per minute, assuming a standard number of minutes played throughout the year.
What are the terms of Yuki Kawamura’s contract?
As per Hoopshype, Kawamura is currently signed to a one-year two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies. This arrangement means that he will play for both the NBA team and the Memphis Hustle in the G-League.
Yuki Kawamura’s Net Worth 2025
Yuki Kawamura’s net worth is difficult to determine precisely, but his estimated net worth in 2025 is likely around $578,577, based on his 2024-2025 NBA salary with the Memphis Grizzlies. He has also signed an additional contract valued at $1,157,153.
FAQs
How tall is Yuki Kawamura?
Yuki Kawamura is currently the shortest player in the NBA. Standing at 1.73 meters (5 feet 8 inches), he has become known for his exceptional skill despite his height.
Which team does Yuki Kawamura play for in the NBA?
Yuki Kawamura plays for the Memphis Grizzlies in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is on a two-way contract, which also involves playing for the Memphis Hustle in the NBA G League.
What is Yuki Kawamura’s nationality?
Yuki Kawamura is Japanese. He plays for the Japan national basketball team, representing his country on the international stage.
What was Yuki Kawamura’s role in the 2023 World Cup?
Yuki Kawamura played for Japan during the 2023 FIBA World Cup, contributing to the national team’s efforts in the competition.
When did Yuki Kawamura start playing professionally?
Yuki Kawamura began his professional career in January 2020 with San-en NeoPhoenix in Japan’s B.League, while still a high school student, making history as the youngest player to debut in the league.
What achievements did Yuki Kawamura earn during his time with Yokohama B-Corsairs?
While playing for the Yokohama B-Corsairs, Yuki Kawamura won several honors, including B.League MVP, Rookie of the Year, and a spot on the Best Five Team for the 2022–2023 season.
