At 5'7", Yuki Kawamura is defying the height bias of professional basketball.
In short: Standing just 5 feet 7 inches tall, Yuki Kawamura is the shortest player in the NBA. Despite his stature, the Japanese guard has carved out a professional career across multiple teams, proving that elite playmaking and scoring can transcend physical size in a league dominated by giants.
Born in Yanai, Yamaguchi, in 2001, Kawamura grew up idolizing Yuki Togashi, another undersized Japanese star. His rapid ascent began in high school, where he led Fukuoka Daiichi to consecutive national titles. By January 2020, he had already made history as the youngest player to appear and score in the B.League. After leaving Tokai University to turn professional, he dominated the 2022–23 season, securing the league's MVP award, Rookie of the Year honors, and a spot on the Best Five team.
Kawamura’s transition to the NBA began in 2024 with the Memphis Grizzlies. His journey has been marked by resilience, particularly after a blood clot in his lower right leg led to his release by the Chicago Bulls in October 2025. He successfully returned to the Bulls in January 2026, eventually appearing in 18 games. Throughout his professional tenure, he has demonstrated a consistent ability to contribute, averaging 3.4 points and 2.6 assists during his 2026 campaign, while maintaining a reputation for high-impact performances.
Internationally, Kawamura has been a cornerstone for the Japan national team. His breakout performance occurred during the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, where he helped secure a historic 98–88 upset against Finland by scoring 25 points. He continued this momentum at the 2024 Olympics, where he recorded a career-high 29 points in a narrow overtime loss to France. Averaging over 20 points per game during the Olympic tournament, Kawamura continues to challenge the conventional wisdom regarding height requirements in elite basketball.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Yuki Kawamura
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