5 Misses, 8 Assists: Could Yuki Kawamura Be Asia's Best Point Guard?

In the preseason matchup between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Chicago Bulls, Yuki Kawamura, the 1.72-meter guard from Japan, once again demonstrated his exceptional court vision and playmaking abilities. Despite going 0-for-5 from the field and scoring just 2 points from the free-throw line, Kawamura dished out a game-high 8 assists in only 23 minutes of play. His contributions helped lead a massive 21-point comeback as the Grizzlies edged out the Bulls 124-121.

Kawamura’s performance was nothing short of impressive, especially considering his size and his Exhibit 10 contract. While his shooting struggles have been apparent over the last two games (missing all nine of his field goal attempts), his ability to facilitate offense and his defensive presence have garnered attention from around the league. His +17 plus-minus rating further underscores how impactful he was during his time on the court, making a case for him as potentially one of the top point guards to emerge from Asia.

The main hurdle for Kawamura remains his lack of offensive production. His recent shooting slump has raised questions about whether he can secure a two-way or even a full-time NBA contract. Nevertheless, his passing skills and basketball IQ are undeniable. Players of his size, particularly at the point guard position, are rare in today’s NBA, but Kawamura’s performances prove that small guards with high basketball IQ and elite passing can still find a place in the league.

Even Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins acknowledged Kawamura’s contributions, suggesting that the young guard could compete for a two-way contract if he continues to impress. However, the Grizzlies’ roster is already filled to capacity with three two-way contract players, which means that unless Kawamura catches the eye of another NBA team, he may find himself spending more time in the G League, waiting for another opportunity. According to sources close to Kawamura, he has mentally prepared for this possibility and is determined to make the most of his chances.

The Rise of Yuki Kawamura: Asia’s Best Point Guard?

Yuki Kawamura’s recent success in the preseason has sparked conversations about his place among Asia’s greatest point guards. At just 1.72 meters, Kawamura’s stature may not be imposing, but his playmaking ability and floor generalship have drawn comparisons to some of the best point guards to come out of Asia in recent years.

For years, Asian guards in the NBA have faced challenges related to physicality, speed, and shooting. However, Kawamura is proving that while he may not be a scorer, he possesses the qualities that make a true point guard: excellent court vision, crisp passing, and the ability to elevate his teammates' play. His size may be a limitation in certain aspects of the game, but Kawamura's basketball IQ has allowed him to stay competitive and productive at the highest levels of competition.

Looking at Kawamura’s recent performances, it’s hard not to draw comparisons to other Asian stars like South Korea’s Choi Yong-hee. While Choi has made significant strides in his career, Kawamura may be showing even more promise at this early stage. In the preseason, Kawamura’s poise, passing, and composure have been on full display, suggesting that his ceiling could be even higher than that of his contemporaries.

The Offensive Struggles: Can Kawamura Overcome His Shooting Woes?

As promising as Kawamura has been as a playmaker, his offensive struggles are becoming increasingly concerning. Over the last two preseason games, Kawamura has gone 0-for-9 from the field, failing to record a field goal. This lack of scoring has raised questions about whether his offensive game will be sufficient to secure him a permanent spot on an NBA roster.

For Kawamura to carve out a role in the NBA, he will need to develop a more reliable jump shot. Given the direction of modern basketball, where guards are often expected to be both playmakers and scorers, his current offensive limitations could pose challenges in his quest to land a guaranteed contract. Kawamura’s shooting mechanics are sound, and it’s clear he’s capable of improving this aspect of his game, but until he demonstrates the ability to knock down shots consistently, teams may hesitate to invest heavily in him.

Still, Kawamura's defensive efforts and high basketball IQ provide a strong foundation for success. It’s not uncommon for players to struggle with their shot early in their careers, only to develop into more complete players as they gain confidence and experience. Kawamura’s potential to improve in this area is evident, and his work ethic suggests he’s capable of addressing this weakness in his game.

Taylor Jenkins on Kawamura’s Future: A Two-Way Contract?

Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins has been one of Kawamura’s biggest supporters during the preseason. Following the win over the Bulls, Jenkins hinted that Kawamura could be in the running for a two-way contract with the Grizzlies if his strong performances continue. "He’s shown he belongs on the court,” Jenkins said. “We’ve seen how he can impact the game with his vision, passing, and energy. The next step is just continuing to improve his offensive efficiency."

Despite Jenkins’ praise, the reality is that the Grizzlies already have three players occupying their two-way contract slots, meaning that Kawamura’s path to securing a spot on the regular-season roster may not be as straightforward as it seems. However, if another team recognizes his potential and offers him a spot, Kawamura could still find himself playing in the NBA sooner than expected.

Should Kawamura end up in the G League, it wouldn’t be the worst-case scenario. Many players have used the G League as a stepping stone to earn a full-time NBA roster spot. For Kawamura, the focus will be on continuing to hone his skills and proving that he belongs at the highest level.

The NBA Preseason: Other Notable Performances

While Kawamura’s play has been one of the preseason’s most intriguing storylines, several other games have produced noteworthy performances as well. The Boston Celtics absolutely dominated the Philadelphia 76ers, cruising to a 139-89 victory. Even though it’s just preseason, a 50-point blowout is hard to overlook. However, it's worth noting that the 76ers were without their "big three" and most of their key players, while Boston fielded almost their full lineup. The Sixers are expected to be strong contenders in the upcoming season, especially after their offseason acquisition of Paul George. With championship aspirations, the Sixers will be a major obstacle for Boston as both teams vie for Eastern Conference supremacy.

Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs pulled off a 126-120 victory over the Utah Jazz, and the performance of veteran point guard Chris Paul drew comparisons to Kawamura’s style of play. Paul, known for his steady playmaking and control of the game’s tempo, had 8 assists in 27 minutes while going 1-for-7 from the field, totaling just 3 points. Despite his low scoring output, Paul’s court leadership and mistake-free basketball were pivotal in the Spurs’ win. With Paul’s veteran presence, the Spurs are poised to make some noise in the Western Conference this season, with the playoffs as a primary target.

The Road Ahead for Kawamura

As Yuki Kawamura continues to adjust to the NBA level, his playmaking skills and vision are proving that he can contribute even when his shots aren’t falling. For a guard of his size, overcoming physical limitations is always a challenge, but Kawamura’s intelligence and decision-making set him apart. His ability to consistently create opportunities for his teammates has been a bright spot in the Grizzlies' preseason campaign, and his growth as a floor general is undeniable.

The question remains: can he improve his shooting enough to secure a permanent role in the NBA? Kawamura’s future in the league is still uncertain, but with each passing game, he’s making it harder for teams to overlook him.