Re-signed! Hello, Yuki Kawamura! Finally back in the NBA.

As reported by well-known journalist Scotto,Yuki Kawamura is set to sign a new two-way contract with the Bulls.This information has been officially verified by the Bulls organization.

During last year’s summer league, Kawamura appeared in 5 games representing the Bulls, averaging 23.9 minutes per game with 10.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 2.2 steals. Following this performance, he earned a two-way contract but was soon waived due to right calf pain. Now, as mentioned, he has signed another two-way deal to return to Chicago.

Back in the 2024-25 season, Kawamura received his first NBA two-way contract from the Grizzlies. He played 22 regular-season games, averaging 4.2 minutes with 1.6 points and 0.9 assists. While playing for Memphis Hustle, the Grizzlies’ G-League affiliate, he appeared in 24 games, averaging 31 minutes with 12.4 points, 7.8 assists, 2.7 rebounds, and 1 steal per game.

Yuki Kawamura is the shortest active player in the NBA, officially listed at 1.73 meters tall. As an Asian guard, it’s quite an achievement to secure three consecutive two-way contracts in the world’s premier basketball league.

Born on May 2, 2001, he averaged 13.6 points, 7.6 assists, and 2.8 steals during the 2023 World Cup. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, he posted averages of 20.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 7.7 assists. With two years of NBA experience under his belt, he is undoubtedly Asia’s top point guard and once led the Japanese national team to a close 90-94 battle against France, led by Victor Wembanyama.

Now that Kawamura has rejoined the Bulls, if he is not waived again before February 26 this year, it means he will miss playing in the second window of the World Cup qualifiers between Japan and China.

In the 2024 Asian qualifiers, Kawamura faced the Chinese national team for the first time. He started and played about 27 minutes, shooting 4 of 11 from the field, including 2 of 7 from three-point range, and made 2 free throws, scoring 12 points with 4 rebounds and 3 assists, helping Japan narrowly win 76-73.

Although small in stature, he carries immense energy.

Even as an opponent, Kawamura’s inspiring story deserves respect. Hopefully, China’s national team will produce such a guard in the future.