Rui Hachimura Sends Honest Message to Yuki Kawamura After LA Clippers Exit

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Rui Hachimura Sends Honest Message to Yuki Kawamura After LA Clippers Exit

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - OCTOBER 10: Yuki Kawamura #17 of the LA Clippers passes the ball around during the preseason game between Los Angeles Clippers and Toronto Raptors at Rogers Arena on October 10, 2026 in Vancouver, British Columbia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elizabeth Ruiz Ruiz/Getty Images) Getty

Juan Paolo David · HEAVY

Wed, Oct 14, 2026 ·

4 min read

Rui Hachimura Sends Message to Yuki Kawamura

GettyRui Hachimura #28 of the LA Clippers reacts during the preseason game between Los Angeles Clippers and Toronto Raptors at Rogers Arena on October 10, 2026 in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Rui Hachimura was asked by Japanese reporter Yoko Miyaji about his thoughts on Yuki Kawamura. Hachimura delivered some sound advice for his compatriot, who has mainly played in the NBA G League.

"He really worked hard during training camp, so I want him to keep that up," Hachimura said via BasketNews . "Also, while chasing your dream is important, you have to make smart decisions. He's already 25 years old, so I want him to keep that in mind as he moves forward."

Kawamura has provided a jolt of energy and fanfare whenever he's on a main roster. He has also played better in the G League but can't seem to find a place in the NBA.

GettyYuki Kawamura #17 of the Los Angeles Clippers handles the ball during the 2026-2027 NBA preseason game between Los Angeles Clippers and Toronto Raptors at Rogers Arena on October 10, 2026 in Vancouver, British Columbia.

His size remains a disadvantage, so it will be interesting to see what Kawamura's next move will be. He can play in the G League again or possibly return to the B.League, wherein he was a top star.

In 35 G League games in two seasons, Kawamura is averaging 14.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 8.7 assists and 1.0 steals per game on 38.3 percent shooting from the field, 39.3 percent from 3-point range and 81.7 percent from the free-throw line.

Kawamura's NBA Career

GettyYuki Kawamura #8 of the Chicago Bulls walks backcourt during a game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on April 12, 2026 in Dallas, Texas.

As one of Japan's biggest young stars, Yuki Kawamura entered the 2023 NBA draft. He was not selected, but he earned a training camp deal with the Memphis Grizzlies a year later. He signed a two-way contract and appeared in 22 games for the Grizzlies as a rookie.

Kawamura played for the Chicago Bulls last season, though he spent the majority of it in the NBA G League. He became a free agent again this past summer, joining the Indiana Pacers for the Summer League.

The Pacers didn't offer him a contract, but the Los Angeles Clippers signed him to a training camp deal.

This article was originally published on HEAVY