Yuki Kawamura said his goal is to earn a standard or two-way contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, named Chicago as his favorite NBA city so far, and praised Rui Hachimura as a major leader who has helped him a lot since arriving in the league.
Los Angeles Clippers point guard Yuki Kawamura made his goal clear at Monday media day as he prepares to fight for a roster spot during training camp.
Position
PF
Age
28
Height
203 cm
Weight
104 kg
Birth place
Toyama, Japan
“It’s always special for me to play in the NBA,” Kawamura said. “But my goal is to get a main contract or a two-way contract. Right now, I have a training camp contract.”
“I’m gonna chase my dream, and I’m gonna show everybody who I am during training camp.”
Kawamura signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the LA Clippers in August. The deal can be converted into a two-way contract.
The 25-year-old is entering his third NBA season after spending his first year with the Memphis Grizzlies and last season with the Chicago Bulls, both on two-way deals. He has appeared in 40 NBA games across his first two seasons.
Kawamura excited to team up with Rui Hachimura
Kawamura will also have a familiar face alongside him in Los Angeles after fellow Japanese star Rui Hachimura joined the Clippers this summer on a two-year, $28 million deal.
“For me, he has helped me a lot since I came here,” Kawamura said of Hachimura. “He’s a big leader for me. I spent a lot of time with him during the summer because we play for the Japanese national team.”
“I really appreciate his support, and I’m super excited to play with him.”
Kawamura also thanked fans for the support he has received since arriving in the NBA.
“It’s amazing. I really appreciate the fans and the energy they give me,” he said. “I just want to meet their expectations, bring that energy to the court, and show everybody who I am.”
Asked about his favorite NBA city so far, Kawamura picked Chicago but said Los Angeles has already made a strong impression.
“I love Chicago,” he noted. “However, Los Angeles is also great so far. There’s a large Asian community, and a bunch of delicious Japanese restaurants. Great people.”
Kawamura also set himself a clear shooting goal for the upcoming season. Asked what three-point percentage he wants to reach, his answer was simple: “At least 40%.”
Kawamura played 22 games for Memphis as a rookie before appearing in 18 games for Chicago last season, averaging 3.4 points (32.7% FG, 29.7% 3PT), 2.6 assists, and 1.8 rebounds in 11.6 minutes.
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