Memphis Grizzlies guard Yuki Kawamura (17) against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Memphis Grizzlies' Big Decision Could Impact Yuki Kawamura

Originally posted on Memphis Grizzlies on SI
By Joey Linn | Last updated 10/16/24

Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Memphis Grizzlies announced on Tuesday that the team had signed 23-year-old guard Scotty Pippen Jr. to a standard contract. Pippen had been on a two-way deal, but now occupies the roster spot vacated by Derrick Rose after his retirement from the NBA.

Via Grizzlies PR: "The Memphis Grizzlies today announced the team signed guard Scotty Pippen Jr. to a multi-year contract. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.”

This is not only big news for Pippen, but for other players with the Grizzlies in training camp who are now candidates for the vacated two-way spot.

Official ✅ pic.twitter.com/y8NgVyoSOq
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) October 16, 2024

One option for the newly opened two-way spot is 5-foot-8 guard Yuki Kawamura. A fan favorite, Kawamura is a superstar in Japan. Several fans believe he should be given a two-way contract with the Grizzlies.

Via @Grizzlies_szn: "Observing…"

Observing… https://t.co/pqcNuXhKNB
— Grizzlies SZN (@Grizzlies_szn) October 16, 2024

Via @GrizzHooping: "I’ve seen enough give Yuki a 2-way, let him live out his NBA dream, and let him be a fan/team favorite"

I’ve seen enough give Yuki a 2-way, let him live out his NBA dream, and let him be a fan/team favorite pic.twitter.com/suJffQDmQ5
— GrizzbeHooping (@GrizzHooping) October 15, 2024

Via @CREAMYCOLE_: "I’m thinking this means Yuki Kawamura gets a two-way spot"

I’m thinking this means Yuki Kawamura gets a two-way spot pic.twitter.com/xlOVtuSwqT
— Cole (@CREAMYCOLE_) October 15, 2024

Via @YossiGozlan: "Converting Scotty Pippen Jr. felt like the inevitable outcome after Derrick Rose retired. The Memphis Grizzlies fill their 14th roster spot and sit roughly $3.9 million below the luxury tax line. They also open up a two-way slot that could go to Yuki Kawamura."

Converting Scotty Pippen Jr. felt like the inevitable outcome after Derrick Rose retired.

The Memphis Grizzlies fill their 14th roster spot and sit roughly $3.9 million below the luxury tax line.

They also open up a two-way slot that could go to Yuki Kawamura. https://t.co/L24XTZtXlX
— Yossi Gozlan (@YossiGozlan) October 15, 2024

Via @MyMikeCheck: "Move frees up the 2-way spot Scotty held. Could be a pathway for Yuki Kawamura. We'll see!"

Congrats to Scotty. Grizz president/GM Zach Kleiman vowed on Media Day he'd look within current roster to fill at least 1 of 2 available standard roster spots @memgrizz had entering camp.

Move frees up the 2-way spot Scotty held. Could be a pathway for Yuki Kawamura. We'll see! https://t.co/Cl1XaPkTep
— Michael Wallace (@MyMikeCheck) October 15, 2024

Kawamura has averaged 4.3 points and 4.8 assists in 16.9 minutes per contest across four preseason games.

This article first appeared on Memphis Grizzlies on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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