"Short kings rise up" - Grizzlies fans hyped after 5'8" Yuki Kawamura signs two-way deal

After an impressive NBA preseason showcase, displaying grit and hustle on both ends of the floor despite standing at just 5-foot-8, Yuki Kawamura was rewarded with a two-way deal with the Memphis Grizzlies.

Kawamura grew to be a fan-favorite for the Grizzlies in his preseason stint with the team and carved out a role with his immense hustle, playmaking ability, and strong defensive presence despite his short stature for the NBA.

On Saturday afternoon, NBA fans reacted to the news of Kawamura earning his spot in the league with the signing of his two-way deal, showing support on X.

"Short kings rise up," the PrizePicks official X account humorously posted.

"Love to see it," a fan commented in support.

"Great deal man," another fan added.

The support for Kawamura was immense, as other fans continued to show support for the guard.

"He should get a guaranteed contract, he's nice," a fan commented, pulling for Yuki Kawamura to land a spot on the Grizzlies' active roster.

"Yuki got dimes," another fan added, showing love for Kawamura's playmaking ability.

"True point guard," a third fan chimed in. "Old school passing and ball handling. Love to see it."

Yuki Kawamura impresses in NBA preseason

Yuki Kawamura appeared in all five preseason games for the Memphis Grizzlies, signing with the team back on September 6. Kawamura saw 75 minutes of action across Memphis' five games.

He averaged 3.4 points and 4.2 assists for the Grizzlies in the preseason, leading the team in assists in these five games. Kawamura played in the Japanese B League prior to his time in the NBA preseason stint, going undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft.

Kawamura also appeared in the 2024 Paris Olympics, representing Japan. In three games at the Olympics, he averaged an impressive 20.3 points, 7.7 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game, shooting 41% from three-point range.

He posted a 21-point, 10-assist double-double versus Germany and notched 29 points, seven rebounds, and six assists versus France. He has also represented Japan in the FIBA World Cup back in 2023.