Japanese guard Yuki Kawamura has been named to the training camp roster of the San Diego Clippers, the NBA G League affiliate of the Los Angeles Clippers. The move provides organizational depth as the parent club handles a tough 1W-4L start to the season, including a 127-101 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 30.
Kawamura, 25, was with the Los Angeles Clippers in the preseason on a non-guaranteed Exhibit 10 contract before being waived on October 12. His assignment to the G League keeps him within the Clippers' development system. The San Diego Clippers tip off their G League season against the Valley Suns on November 6.
Kawamura brings NBA experience to the Clippers' pipeline. He made his debut with the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2024-25 season on a two-way contract. The following year, he signed another two-way deal with the Chicago Bulls.
He appeared in 18 NBA games for Chicago, averaging 3.4 points and 2.6 assists in just under 11 minutes per contest. His performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics for Japan also highlighted his potential as a playmaker. For the Clippers, this is a low-risk move to evaluate a guard who can handle the ball and create for others.
The signing is a futures play for the Clippers' front office. It has no immediate impact on the NBA team's rotation, which features Japanese forward Rui Hachimura. Through three games, Hachimura is averaging 10.3 points and six rebounds per game.
The parent club's focus is squarely on correcting its recent form. After a season-opening 121-96 win over the Sacramento Kings on October 21, the Clippers have dropped four straight. That tough run includes two losses to the Los Angeles Lakers (125-117 on October 23 and 103-87 on October 28) and a 108-101 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The immediate priority is stopping the slide. The Clippers' next fixture is a road game against the Golden State Warriors on November 1. A win there would provide a much-needed boost and improve their record in a competitive Western Conference.
Meanwhile, Yuki Kawamura will begin his campaign with the San Diego Clippers. His progress will be monitored closely by the NBA staff. If he excels in the G League and the Clippers need backcourt help later in the season, he could be a candidate for a call-up. Fans can track the big club's schedule on our schedule page as they look to turn their season around.
