2 Shots, 0 Points: Grizzlies Officially Reassign Yuki Kawamura to G League! Two Japanese Players Compete in NBA Development League

In a recent roster announcement, the Memphis Hustle, the NBA G League affiliate of the Memphis Grizzlies, officially listed Japanese guard Yuki Kawamura as part of their 2023-2024 season lineup. To support his transition, the team even shared photos of him in action during practice. This reassignment places Kawamura squarely within the Grizzlies’ development system, giving him the opportunity to refine his skills and potentially impact the NBA roster. Though he accompanied the Grizzlies in their recent nail-biting 123-126 home loss to the Chicago Bulls, he remained on the sidelines without logging any game time.

With Kawamura on a two-way contract, he has the flexibility to move between the NBA and the G League, giving him a unique yet challenging pathway to establish himself. Two-way contracts permit players to spend time with both the NBA and G League teams but restrict the number of games they can play at the NBA level. Kawamura’s dual placement offers potential for growth but leaves him striving to secure stable NBA minutes, which has been a significant challenge in his early career.

Kawamura has appeared in four regular-season games for the Grizzlies this season, seeing action in two of those games for a total of just six minutes. In those limited moments, he missed both his field goal attempts and recorded just one assist along with a turnover, giving him a perfect 1:1 assist-to-turnover ratio. His playing time and opportunities to make a measurable impact have been sparse; however, he remains on the team radar and has now been assigned to the Hustle to gain further experience.

Though it’s too early to predict the long-term implications of Kawamura’s reassignment, it undeniably brings renewed attention to Japanese talent in the NBA. For only the second time, the NBA has two Japanese players on active rosters simultaneously: Kawamura and Rui Hachimura, a standout forward for the Los Angeles Lakers. The possibility of an NBA “Japanese Derby” game—similar to the past clashes between Hachimura and former NBA forward Yuta Watanabe—has yet to materialize this season. The recent exits of other Japanese players, including Watanabe, have left Kawamura and Hachimura as the flag-bearers for Japanese basketball on the global NBA stage.

In recent years, Japanese players have carved a unique niche in professional basketball, with Watanabe being a prominent figure in the NBA until his recent decision to leave the league. Watanabe’s impact was felt through his high-energy play and solid defensive skill set, proving that Japanese players could excel in specific roles within NBA rosters. However, Watanabe’s departure highlights the rarity of seeing Japanese players in the NBA, contrasting with the late 2000s, when three Chinese players—Yao Ming, Yi Jianlian, and Sun Yue—shared the NBA spotlight.

Kawamura’s move to the G League doesn’t end his NBA ambitions; rather, it represents a practical next step for development. With his presence now solidified on the Hustle, Kawamura has the chance to improve his performance and work on adapting his game to NBA demands. Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins and the rest of the coaching staff can now observe Kawamura’s development in a competitive setting, tracking his ability to handle NBA-style gameplay and maintain high levels of performance.

The Hustle’s lineup this season includes Kawamura alongside various talents eyeing their own NBA breakthroughs. As Kawamura focuses on refining his playmaking abilities, shooting accuracy, and defense, he must adapt quickly to the high-intensity G League environment. It’s a league that places a premium on swift decision-making, defensive versatility, and consistent shooting—all areas Kawamura will need to elevate in his game.

For Japan, having Kawamura pursue NBA dreams alongside Hachimura is a significant milestone. While Hachimura brings size and versatility, Kawamura’s skillset is defined by his sharp ball-handling and perimeter shooting, although his physical limitations present challenges on the defensive end. Still, Kawamura has shown resilience and commitment to his craft, attributes that may help him find a unique role within the Grizzlies’ system.

Interestingly, Kawamura isn’t the only Japanese player vying for NBA recognition. Another prospect, Keisei Tominaga, recently joined the Indiana Pacers on an Exhibit 10 contract—a short-term training camp deal—but was waived before the season’s start. Tominaga has since joined the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, the Pacers’ G League affiliate. Known for his precise shooting, Tominaga carries a distinct profile compared to Kawamura; while he lacks versatility, his shooting touch could earn him spot minutes if he continues to develop and adapt to professional basketball’s physical demands.

Tominaga’s inclusion on the Mad Ants roster aligns with the recent trend of Japanese shooters gaining attention in international play. He played a prominent role on the Japanese national team, averaging 11.4 points on 37.5% shooting from beyond the arc at last year’s FIBA Basketball World Cup, though his three-point accuracy dropped to 20% in his latest FIBA appearances. While he may lack Kawamura’s all-around playmaking, Tominaga has shown he can be a lethal scorer when given open looks.

Both Kawamura and Tominaga have distinct styles, yet they share similar challenges: neither boasts elite athleticism by NBA standards, and both have had to refine their games to compensate for physical limitations. Kawamura, as a primary ball-handler, must excel at reading defenses and orchestrating plays, while Tominaga’s success relies heavily on accurate shooting. Both players’ journeys reflect a broader narrative of how international players must adjust to the demands of the NBA, finding ways to leverage their strengths while adapting to the physicality and speed of the league.

As the season progresses, both Kawamura and Tominaga will aim to prove that their respective skill sets can translate to meaningful roles within their G League teams. For Kawamura, earning consistent minutes with the Hustle could position him to return to the Grizzlies’ roster and potentially have more NBA opportunities. Tominaga, too, has the chance to establish himself as a sharpshooter and make a case for a call-up to Indiana’s roster. Their journeys underscore the resilience of international players, each working to adapt their games and seize whatever NBA opportunity may come their way.

In sum, Kawamura’s assignment to the Memphis Hustle marks a pivotal step for his career, offering him both development and exposure within the NBA framework. With Hachimura excelling as a Lakers starter and Tominaga finding his footing with the Mad Ants, the pathway for Japanese talent in the NBA continues to evolve. For Kawamura, every minute in the G League represents an opportunity to fine-tune his game, gain invaluable experience, and perhaps, one day, earn a permanent spot in the NBA.