On October 20, Beijing time, according to Shams, the Grizzlies signed a two-way contract with Japan defender Yuki Kawamura. At 1.73m, he became the shortest active player in the NBA and the ninth player to be no taller than 1.73m since the merger of the NBA and the ABA. Then the Grizzlies officially announced the news.

In all five preseason games of the Grizzlies, Yuki Kawamura participated, averaging 15.1 minutes per game, contributing 3.4 points and 4.2 assists, and leading the team with a total of 21 assists.

Previously, Kawamura signed an Exhibit 10 training camp contract, and after Pippen Jr. moved to a regular contract, the Grizzlies freed up a two-way contract spot, which they gave to Kawamura, who was doing well.

The 23-year-old has been playing in the Japan B-League for the past five years, was named the league's MVP in 2023, and averaged 20.9 points, eight assists and three rebounds in 30.6 minutes per game last season, and scored 29 points in a game Japan that nearly upset the France team in this summer's Olympics.

"The [Grizzlies] coaching staff told me that they watched the Olympics and said I was incredible, and that really made me happy," Kawamura said. ”

Yuki Kawamura's competitiveness in the preseason impressed the Grizzlies' coaching teammates. Against the Bulls, he dished out eight assists, and against the Pacers, he had 10 points and seven assists.

Smart said, "Kawamura brings a uniqueness to the game that you can't teach. He put all his skills to good use. Fast and short stature. Sometimes you can't even see him and he appears out of nowhere. He can shoot. He can control the ball and he can pass the ball. People underestimated his ......"

"He's playing against players who are taller than him, but he's still rushing into the box, trying to create chances, trying to rush to the basket," Zach Edie said. ”

Reports that the Grizzlies are trying to play at any time in franchise history seems to help the fast-paced Yuki Kawamura, who enjoys playing in fast-paced games, seems to be helping to play in a role. He may end up squeezing into the Grizzlies' regular rotation, but is expected to go to the Development League first.

With the official signing of Yuki Kawamura, the Grizzlies have a regular roster of 14 players, three on two-way contracts, and several other players who have signed Exhibit 10 contracts are not expected to stay with the team.

Regular lineup 14: Morant, Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., Smart, Clark, Kennard, Konchar, Zach Edie, Aldama, Lanavia, Vince Williams Jr., Pippen Jr., G. G. Jackson, Wells

3 people in two-way contracts: Yuki Kawamura, Huff, Spencer