Throughout its history, the NBA has been complete with dynamic duos. The league’s newest duo is taking the world by storm and it isn’t directly related to production on the court.
Grizzlies star Ja Morant and undrafted rookie Yuki Kawamura have quickly developed a bond that has endeared fans from near and afar. As Kawamura grinded his way to a two-way contract with Memphis, he quickly earned favor with Morant and the two forged a wholesome bond.
Here’s more on the relationship between one of the league’s most electrifying players and an undrafted rookie.
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Yuki Kawamura-Ja Morant relationship, explained
The Grizzlies signed Kawamura to a training camp deal on Sept. 6. Weeks later, training camp opened and fans caught their first glimpse of the Kawamura-Morant bond during an open practice at FedEx Forum.
As the rookies began a dance contest, Kawamura paid homage to Morant by including a rendition of the Griddy in his routine. The crowd loved Kawamura’s moves and Morant decided to join the rookie and dance at midcourt.
The Grizz throw Yuki Kawamura out there for the rookie dance contest. He stole the show. Ja Morant even gets out there and joins him. pic.twitter.com/RARRvmWHeI
— Drew Hill (@DrewHill_DM) October 6, 2024
Impressive as Kawamura’s dance moves were, his play on the court during training camp and the preseason impressed Memphis’ front office. Kawamura signed a two-way contract with the franchise on Oct. 19 and Morant celebrated by simply sharing a photo of Kawamura on X (formerly Twitter).
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) October 19, 2024
The relationship is much more than just for show. As the regular season approached, the Grizzlies players and staff gathered for a 2000s-themed party. Morant and Kawamura posed for a photo that the basketball world loved.
The below post has nearly 600,000 views in a few weeks.
師弟コンビで✌️
河村勇輝、モラントの影響かなり受けてるかもしれませんね?? pic.twitter.com/VUnX5IrGRd
— BNFA aka NBAnews4All (@__BNFA) October 20, 2024
As the season began, Morant and Kawamura celebrated Memphis’ season-opening win with a post shared on an Instagram story.
Ja and Yuki after first Grizzlies Dub?? pic.twitter.com/NCBEAOMQ0V
— BIGMEM12 (@BIGMEM12) October 24, 2024
Days later, Morant got a bucket and pointed to Kawamura, who then pulled out a “too small” celebration from the bench.
At 5-8, Kawamura is the league’s shortest player this season, but he explained that he learned the celebration from Morant, who, like other Grizzlies teammates, are teaching Kawamura more about American culture.
Yuki Kawamura said that Ja Morant taught him this celebration yesterday:
“So small, right?”
“It’s disrespect, right? I don’t like that. But if my teammates dunk on them, from the bench, I’ll do it.” https://t.co/12TjaK68ux
— Drew Hill (@DrewHill_DM) November 3, 2024
Even after Morant exited early with an injury, he proudly watched from the tunnel as Kawamura scored his first NBA points in a win over the Lakers.
yuuuuu ?? https://t.co/ouHiYinCAT
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) November 7, 2024
As the duo’s relationship grows, so does Kawamura’s comfort level in the league. As a player on a two-way contract, he’ll split his time with the Grizzlies and their G League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle.
Regardless, having the support and friendship of the face of the franchise will only help Kawamura as he continues to navigate life in the NBA.
