Japanese born player makes NBA roster while learning English from Michael Jordan’s ‘Last Dance’
Yuki Kawamura has had to overcome obstacle after obstacle to get where he is.
And where that is, is on an NBA roster.
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The Memphis Grizzlies have signed Kawamura to a two-way contract, of ESPN reported.
He did this, as the shortest player on the court, while still learning how to speak English.
Kawamura didn't care; all he did was hoop.
It was always just "ball up top" for the smaller point guard.
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And now he's arrived.
By making the Grizzlies' roster, the 5-foot-8 Japanese native is now officially the shortest player on an active roster in the Association.
Kawamura has climbed mountains to reach this moment, and it has all paid off.
Speaking with the Daily Memphian, Kawamura talked about his struggles learning an entirely new language, but credited arguably the greatest player of all time with an assist.
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“I learned English sometimes in school, and one year ago I started studying English,” Kawamura said.
"It is not enough, for sure. It is so hard.
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"I can speak Japanese only. It is so tough to speak in English.
“I don’t speak English well, so he advised me to ‘Talk, talk, talk.’
"‘Talk to everyone.’ I am watching Netflix. I watch M.J. I watch ‘Last Dance’ show in English and subtitles in English.”
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It looks like Kawamura picked up more than just English while watching the Jordan documentary.
He may have picked up some of the Bulls legend's attitude and mannerisms.
You don't make an NBA roster at 5-foot-8 without having something different inside of you.
You have to be a completely different animal.
And it looks like Kawamura is just that.
While all eyes will be on the return of star point guard, Ja Morant, Kawamura is ready to make an impact.
Nothing has stopped him yet, not even a language barrier and a league that's ruled by giants.
Ball up top, that's all Kawamura cares about.
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