Yuki Kawamura: Age | Can Dunk | Height | Bulls | Contract | NBA Team

The rise of Yuki Kawamura is one of the most inspiring stories in modern basketball. Standing at just 5-foot-7, Kawamura has defied expectations to reach the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Currently playing for the Chicago Bulls, the Japanese point guard has become one of the shortest players in the league but also one of the most exciting playmakers to watch.
Fans often search questions like:
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What is Yuki Kawamura’s age?
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Can Yuki Kawamura dunk?
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What is his height?
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What NBA team does he play for?
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What contract does he have with the Bulls?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Yuki Kawamura, including his background, NBA journey, playing style, and career achievements.
Who Is Yuki Kawamura?
Yuki Kawamura is a Japanese professional basketball player who plays the point guard position in the NBA. Born in Yanai, Yamaguchi, Japan, he quickly gained attention for his elite playmaking, speed, and basketball IQ.
Before reaching the NBA, Kawamura dominated the Japanese B.League, where he became one of the league’s brightest young stars.
Key highlights of his early career include:
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B.League MVP (2023)
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Rookie of the Year (2023)
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B.League Assist Leader (2024)
These achievements helped him gain international recognition and eventually opened the door to an NBA opportunity.
Yuki Kawamura Age
He was born on May 2, 2001, making him 24 years old as of 2026.
Despite his young age, he already has professional experience in multiple leagues, including:
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Japanese B.League
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NBA G League
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NBA
Many analysts believe his prime years are still ahead of him.
Yuki Kawamura Height
One of the most discussed aspects of Kawamura’s career is his height.
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Height: 5 ft 7 in (170 cm)
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Weight: 159 lbs (72 kg)
This makes him one of the shortest players currently playing in the NBA. In fact, he has been recognized as the shortest active NBA player during the 2025 season.
However, Kawamura has proven that height isn’t everything. His quickness, vision, and ball-handling allow him to compete against players who are often a foot taller.
Can Yuki Kawamura Dunk?
One of the most frequently asked questions online is: Can Yuki Kawamura dunk?
The short answer: It’s extremely rare.
At 5’7″, dunking in an NBA game is incredibly difficult. Most players who can dunk comfortably are at least 6 feet tall with elite vertical jumps.
Kawamura is not known for dunking during professional games. Instead, his playing style focuses on:
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Speed
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Elite passing
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Ball control
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Quick scoring moves
His strengths lie in craftiness and basketball intelligence, not explosive above-the-rim athleticism.
However, Kawamura compensates with exceptional skill. His flashy passes, quick drives, and three-point shooting make him a dynamic offensive threat.
Yuki Kawamura NBA Team
He currently plays for the Chicago Bulls in the NBA.
He joined the Bulls after previously spending time with the:
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Memphis Grizzlies
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Memphis Hustle (G League affiliate)
His journey to the Bulls shows how persistence can pay off for international players trying to reach the NBA.
In 2026, Kawamura made headlines during a game against the Miami Heat when he won a jump ball against a much taller opponent despite a 10-inch height disadvantage.
Moments like these have made him a fan favorite.
Yuki Kawamura Bulls Contract
Yuki Kawamura signed a two-way contract with the Chicago Bulls.
A two-way contract allows a player to split time between:
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The NBA team
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Its NBA G League affiliate
For Kawamura, that means he plays for both:
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Chicago Bulls (NBA)
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Windy City Bulls (G League)
Two-way contracts are often used to develop young players while giving them opportunities to play at the highest level.
Yuki Kawamura Career Journey
Early Career in Japan
Kawamura began his professional career in Japan in 2019. His early teams included:
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San-en NeoPhoenix
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Yokohama B-Corsairs
While playing for Yokohama, he emerged as one of the top guards in Japan. His ability to control the game and create scoring opportunities made him a star.
In 2023, he had a breakout season and won the B.League MVP award.
Transition to the NBA
After dominating in Japan, Kawamura pursued his NBA dream.
He entered the 2023 NBA Draft but went undrafted.
Despite this setback, he continued working toward an NBA opportunity.
Eventually, he earned:
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Training camp invitations
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G League opportunities
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A two-way NBA contract
This journey shows his resilience and determination.
Yuki Kawamura Playing Style
Despite his size, Kawamura plays with incredible confidence and skill.
His biggest strengths include:
1. Elite Playmaking
Kawamura is an exceptional passer. He can create scoring chances for teammates from almost anywhere on the court.
2. Speed and Quickness
His small frame actually helps him move faster than many defenders.
3. Basketball IQ
He reads defenses extremely well and often anticipates plays before they happen.
4. Shooting Range
Kawamura has developed a reliable three-point shot, making him dangerous even without elite athleticism.
Yuki Kawamura G League Performance
While developing with the Windy City Bulls, Kawamura has posted impressive numbers.
Example stats from the G League include:
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17.7 points per game
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5.3 rebounds
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11.3 assists
These numbers highlight his ability to dominate games as a playmaker.
Why Yuki Kawamura Is Important for Japanese Basketball
Kawamura’s NBA journey has major significance for basketball in Japan.
Japan has produced several NBA players, including:
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Yuta Watanabe
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Rui Hachimura
Kawamura adds another name to the growing list of Japanese players competing at the highest level.
His success also inspires younger athletes across Asia to pursue basketball dreams internationally.
Challenges Kawamura Faces in the NBA
Although Kawamura is talented, he still faces major challenges.
Height disadvantage
Most NBA guards are 6’2 or taller.
Defensive matchups
Opponents often try to exploit height mismatches.
Physical play
The NBA is more physical than many other leagues.
However, Kawamura continues to prove he belongs through hard work and skill.
Future Outlook
Yuki Kawamura’s future in the NBA looks promising.
If he continues developing his:
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Shooting consistency
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Defensive skills
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Strength
He could earn a full NBA contract in the coming years.
Fans and analysts alike are excited to see how far he can go.
Yuki Kawamura Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Yuki Kawamura |
| Birthdate | May 2, 2001 |
| Age | 24 |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in |
| Weight | 159 lbs |
| Position | Point Guard |
| NBA Team | Chicago Bulls |
| Contract | Two-way contract |
| Nationality | Japanese |
FAQs About Yuki Kawamura
How old is Yuki Kawamura?
Yuki Kawamura is 24 years old, born on May 2, 2001.
What is Yuki Kawamura’s height?
He is 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall, making him one of the shortest players in the NBA.
Can Yuki Kawamura dunk?
Dunking is extremely rare for Kawamura due to his height. His game focuses more on playmaking, speed, and shooting.
What NBA team does Yuki Kawamura play for?
He plays for the Chicago Bulls in the NBA.
What contract does Yuki Kawamura have?
Kawamura currently has a two-way contract, allowing him to play for both the Chicago Bulls and the Windy City Bulls in the G League.
Where is Yuki Kawamura from?
He was born in Yanai, Yamaguchi, Japan.
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