+17 Plus-Minus! Will Yuki Kawamura's Performance Keep Him in the NBA?

The Memphis Grizzlies managed a 124-121 comeback win against the Chicago Bulls in a preseason game, but the real story was the surprise performance of Yuki Kawamura. The 5'8" point guard from Japan, often referred to as the best point guard in Asia, has been making headlines for his incredible playmaking skills despite a modest offensive output. Kawamura, signed on an Exhibit 10 contract, is now raising serious questions about whether he could stick around in the NBA, even if only as a two-way player.

Grizzlies Rest Stars, Young Guns Shine

The Grizzlies rested their key players like Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., Marcus Smart, and Luke Kennard, giving the young players an opportunity to showcase their talents. In the absence of these stars, the young guns didn’t disappoint. Second-round pick Tarik Biberovic Wells led the team with 24 points and 6 assists, while Jake LaRavia, the 19th overall pick from the 2022 draft, chipped in with 20 points and 9 rebounds. Even Grizzlies' 2023 9th overall pick Zach Edey showed out with 15 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks.

It was a night of impressive stat lines for many of the Grizzlies' young players, but Kawamura’s contribution, albeit understated, was crucial in the win. He finished the game with no field goals, going 0 for 5, but he dished out 8 assists, tying for the game-high, and recorded a +17 in plus-minus, the second-best on the team behind Wells’ +18. For a player on the fringes of making the roster, Kawamura's performance may be the thing that tips the scales in his favor.

Kawamura's Unique Path to the NBA

Kawamura’s journey to the NBA is not a typical one. He has already established himself as a star in international basketball, particularly after standout performances in the 2023 FIBA World Cup and the 2024 Olympics. While Japan didn’t win any games in those tournaments, Kawamura left a lasting impression. At the Olympics, he averaged 20.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game, including a stellar 29-point, 7-rebound, and 6-assist performance against a stacked France team featuring NBA stars Rudy Gobert and Victor Wembanyama. Despite Japan’s loss, Kawamura showed he could compete at the highest level, orchestrating Japan’s offense with poise and skill.

Following his strong showings on the international stage, the Memphis Grizzlies offered him an Exhibit 10 contract, a deal often given to players on the edge of making the roster or destined for the G-League. The Exhibit 10 contract comes with a chance to convert into a two-way or standard contract if the player impresses during training camp and the preseason. For Kawamura, this preseason performance is crucial.

Kawamura’s Playmaking Takes Center Stage

In the game against the Bulls, Kawamura’s shooting struggles were evident. He missed all five of his shot attempts and failed to score from the field. But what he lacked in scoring, he made up for with his playmaking. His 8 assists came at pivotal moments in the game, including in the fourth quarter when the Grizzlies’ young core was asked to close out a tight game. Kawamura orchestrated the offense masterfully, setting up teammates for easy buckets and maintaining control of the game.

His court vision and passing accuracy were on full display, especially during a critical fourth-quarter stretch where he ran the offense seamlessly. Kawamura also added a steal and knocked down two clutch free throws with 3.9 seconds remaining to ice the game for the Grizzlies.

It’s worth noting that his free-throw shooting is no fluke. At the Olympics, Kawamura shot 10-for-10 from the line, making him a reliable shooter in crucial moments. Although he struggled from the field, his ability to stay composed and make big plays when it mattered most certainly caught the eye of Memphis’ coaching staff.

Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins showed faith in Kawamura, letting him take control of the team’s offense in the final minutes of a close game. And Kawamura did not disappoint. His steady hand and ability to create for others helped Memphis hold on for a narrow victory. It’s not often that a coach allows a player on an Exhibit 10 deal to control the flow of the game late in the fourth quarter, but Jenkins did just that, suggesting that Kawamura might be earning his trust.

The Grizzlies’ Depth and Kawamura’s Place in It

The Grizzlies are coming off a disappointing 2023-2024 season, riddled with injuries that left their roster depleted. Last year, the team only managed 27 wins, but the silver lining was that young players like LaRavia and Scottie Pippen Jr. got valuable playing time in the absence of the team’s stars. Now, with the Grizzlies’ key players returning, the team looks to be a potential dark horse in the Western Conference. But this also means fewer spots are available for players like Kawamura.

Currently, Memphis’ three two-way contracts are already filled, meaning that for Kawamura to stay with the Grizzlies, the team would need to offer him a standard contract. With limited roster spots, that could be a long shot. However, Kawamura’s chemistry with his teammates, particularly fellow fringe players like Matthew Huf, who had 18 points and 9 rebounds, could be a significant factor in his favor. The duo worked together like clockwork, and it was reminiscent of Kawamura’s international play with Japan’s Makoto Hiejima.

Despite standing at just 5'8", Kawamura’s basketball IQ and playmaking ability are earning him respect from his teammates and coaches alike. His leadership and ability to run the offense have already been evident, even in his limited minutes.

The Struggles and the Realities of Being 5'8" in Today’s NBA

There’s no denying Kawamura’s limitations, especially his height. At 5'8", Kawamura is significantly undersized for today’s NBA, where length and versatility are highly prized. Teams often target smaller guards in pick-and-roll situations, forcing them to defend much larger opponents. Kawamura’s size will likely be an issue if he makes it to the regular season, where more physical, skilled players could expose him defensively.

Offensively, Kawamura also has work to do. Through three preseason games, his shooting numbers have been abysmal—9.1% from the field and 12.5% from three. While his passing has been excellent, he will need to develop a reliable jump shot to stick in the NBA. In a league where spacing is everything, a point guard who can’t score or shoot efficiently is a liability, no matter how good of a passer they are.

Building Relationships: Kawamura’s Edge

One of Kawamura’s hidden advantages is his ability to connect with his teammates off the court. Reports suggest that he’s built a strong relationship with Ja Morant, the Grizzlies’ star point guard. Having a good rapport with key players could help his case for making the roster, as team chemistry often plays a role in roster decisions. Additionally, the NBA is always looking for ways to expand its market globally, and Kawamura’s presence could be a way for Memphis to tap into the lucrative Japanese fanbase.

While Kawamura faces stiff competition for a roster spot, his off-court likability and connections might give him a slight edge. The fact that he has already carved out a place in the hearts of his teammates and potentially even in the Grizzlies’ marketing strategies could make a difference.

Kawamura vs. C.J. Bickerstaff: A Tale of Two Prospects

Comparing Kawamura’s chances to those of other fringe players like C.J. Bickerstaff, it’s clear that Kawamura has a unique skill set that could help him stand out. Bickerstaff, while physically gifted and playing with more size, hasn’t demonstrated the same level of court vision and playmaking that Kawamura has.

Kawamura’s FIBA experience and strong preseason outing against the Bulls may have given him a slight advantage, but he still has a lot to prove.