From Japan to the NBA: Yuki Kawamura’s Rise Continues in Chicago

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🔥 Summer League Breakout

Yuki Kawamura, the 5-foot-8 Japanese point guard, made waves during the 2025 NBA Summer League with the Chicago Bulls. In five games, he averaged 10.2 points, 6.2 assists, and 2.2 steals while shooting 41.7 percent from three-point range. A standout performance against the Utah Jazz, with 20 points and 10 assists, cemented his status as one of the Summer League’s top playmakers.

✍️ Two-Way Contract with Chicago

On July 19, the Bulls signed Kawamura to a two-way contract, replacing guard Jahmir Young. It’s his second NBA stint. He previously played for the Memphis Grizzlies’ G League affiliate, where he averaged 12.7 points and 8.4 assists in 2024–25. With Chicago, he’ll split time between the Bulls and the Windy City Bulls, joining Emanuel Miller and Lachlan Olbrich as the team’s other two-way players.

💥 The Ultimate Underdog

Kawamura’s journey defies expectation. At 5’8″, he’s one of the shortest players in pro basketball and went undrafted. Yet through speed, skill, and relentless work ethic, he’s proven he belongs. His rise from Japan’s B.League MVP to Summer League standout is a testament to perseverance and basketball IQ.

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🏀 Role and Fit

Kawamura brings true point guard instincts — quick in transition, composed in the half-court, and disruptive on defense. He creates opportunities for others, spaces the floor with a reliable three, and pressures ball-handlers with intensity. His energy and vision could unlock more tempo for Chicago’s second unit and elevate G League development.

🌏 Global Appeal 

A key player for Japan’s national team at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Kawamura helped lead Japan to a strong showing, earning praise for his poise and leadership on the world stage. Now, with global experience and growing fan support, he brings energy, skill, and international appeal to Chicago.