The Los Angeles Clippers waived fan-favorite guard Yuki Kawamura on Monday, ending his bid for an Opening Night roster spot. This decision came just days after the team's 114-106 preseason loss to the Toronto Raptors on October 10, a game where Kawamura himself contributed 10 points and 4 assists. The 25-year-old Japanese standout, who is the shortest player in the NBA at 5'7", had been on a non-guaranteed Exhibit 10 training camp contract."I'm going to chase my dream, and I'm gonna show everybody who I am during training camp," Kawamura said. His preseason performance, including that 10-point outing against Toronto, was part of that effort.
Staying with San Diego keeps him on the radar for a potential two-way deal later in the season. It would also reunite him with Japanese national teammate Rui Hachimura. Kawamura spoke highly of Hachimura's leadership and support since his arrival in Los Angeles.
It follows a preseason where the Clippers also secured a 104-101 win over the Golden State Warriors on October 4. The team's focus now shifts to its final preseason test against the Denver Nuggets and the regular season opener versus the Sacramento Kings on October 21.
For Kawamura, the journey isn't over. His elite speed and playmaking vision remain his calling cards, though he'll look to improve on last season's 32.7% field goal shooting. Clippers fans can track his progress and the team's final roster decisions on our roster page as the new season approaches.
