Yuki Kawamura has been making headlines with his spectacular playmaking abilities and no-look passes for the Memphis Grizzlies. Standing at 5 feet 8 inches, Kawamura is currently the shortest player in the NBA. But despite his height, he’s far from being the shortest player in NBA history. That title belongs to the legendary Muggsy Bogues, who stood at just 5 feet 3 inches, a full five inches shorter than Kawamura.
Muggsy Bogues: The Shortest Player in NBA History
Muggsy Bogues is widely regarded as the shortest player to ever play in the NBA, yet he carved out a remarkable career, proving that height is not the only determining factor for success in basketball. Drafted 12th overall by the Washington Bullets in the 1987 NBA Draft, Bogues made an immediate impact. He led the Bullets in both assists and steals during his rookie season before moving to the Charlotte Hornets, where he would solidify his legacy.
Despite standing at just 5 foot 3, Bogues had impressive stats, including 39 blocks over his career—one of which famously came against 7-foot Patrick Ewing, one of the tallest players in the league at the time. In his nine seasons with the Hornets, he averaged 8.8 points, while becoming their all-time leader in assists (5,557) and steals (1,067). His perseverance and resilience made him a fan favorite and an inspiration to many smaller players trying to break into the league.
Yuki Kawamura: A Rising Star Defying the Odds
Born and raised in Japan, Yuki Kawamura has followed his own path to the NBA, earning a reputation as one of the best point guards from his country. Kawamura first made waves in high school, where he led Fukuoka Daiichi High School to back-to-back All-Japan High School titles. His outstanding play granted him special status to join the Japanese B. League while still in university. At just 18, he became the league’s youngest player and scored his first points with San-en NeoPhoenix, quickly making a name for himself with an impressive rookie season, averaging 12.6 points, 2 rebounds, and 3.09 assists per game.
Kawamura’s career continued to rise as he transferred to the Yokohama B-Corsairs, where he spent three seasons and averaged 16.6 points, 3 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game. His standout performance earned him the 2022-23 MVP award.
On the international stage, Kawamura became a crucial part of the Japan National Team. During a game against France in the Olympics, he showcased his talent by scoring 29 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, and dishing out 6 assists in a near-upset. For the national team, he currently averages 20.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game, proving himself as a vital player for Japan on the world stage.
NBA Journey: Kawamura’s Challenge
Yuki Kawamura’s journey to the NBA took a significant leap when he signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Memphis Grizzlies, where he’s been fighting for a two-way contract. Despite his size, Kawamura has been a revelation during the preseason, delivering stellar performances that include a game against the Indiana Pacers, where he recorded 10 points, 7 assists, and 1 rebound.
Height Isn’t Everything
Both Yuki Kawamura and Muggsy Bogues have proven that while height may be an advantage in basketball, it isn’t the only factor for success. Their impressive skills, vision on the court, and unrelenting work ethic have allowed them to defy stereotypes and showcase their talent at the highest level. Although Kawamura is five inches taller than Bogues, both players share the same underdog story of proving that you don’t have to be tall to make a big impact on the game.
As Kawamura continues to fight for a permanent spot in the NBA, his journey is a testament to the resilience and skill needed to succeed in professional basketball—no matter your height.
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