The Memphis Grizzlies are hoping that they can bounce back from an injury-ravaged 2023-24 campaign that led to them going 27-55. With Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Marcus Smart all healthy, they have a great chance of achieving that. However, the lesson from last season was that their depth really matters.
This offseason, that’s led to the Grizzlies attempting to fortify their perimeter group.
Though former Purdue center Zach Edey looks like their best addition, they also drafted former Washington State wing Jaylen Wells. Despite being a second-round selection, Wells already looks like he can be part of the rotation. After that, Memphis re-signed three-point specialist Luke Kennard. The Grizzlies then converted point guard Scotty Pippen Jr.’s two-way contract to a standard deal. Essentially a replacement for the retired Derrick Rose, Pippen’s two-way impact has been undeniable.
Grizzlies Bolster Backcourt Depth With Popular Point Guard Yuki Kawamura
Now, the Grizzlies have signed Yuki Kawamura to a two-way contract, per ESPN insider Shams Charania.
The Memphis Grizzlies are signing Japanese guard Yuki Kawamura to a two-way NBA contract, sources tell ESPN. The 5-foot-8 Kawamura averaged 3.4 points, 4.2 assists and 15.1 minutes in preseason, leading Grizzlies with 21 total assists, and earned a roster spot. pic.twitter.com/DXTxm3vahf
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 19, 2024
Though he agreed to enter training camp before the Paris Olympics, Kawamura became a known commodity for NBA fans during the Olympic Games, averaging 20.3 points and 7.7 assists per game for Japan on 40.6 percent shooting from three.
The former B.League star managed to keep his momentum after arriving in the United States.
His shot hasn’t been falling, as he’s gone just 4-19 from the field (4-16 from three). However, he’s been a terrific facilitator, especially when given consistent minutes. In a head-turning two-game stretch, he averaged 7.5 assists in 24.5 minutes per game.
At just 23 years old, Kawamura will now get a chance to develop his game will playing for a title hopeful. He’ll likely spend a substantial chunk of the 2024-25 season with the Memphis Hustle, the team’s G League affiliate.
