Height and length are crucial attributes for most NBA players, but the Memphis Grizzlies are wise enough to know there are exceptions to that rule.

That’s probably why Memphis doled out a two-way contract on Saturday to a player who will become the shortest player in the NBA upon the signing of the deal.

As reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Grizzlies are signing Japanese point guard Yuki Kawamura.

“The Memphis Grizzlies are signing Japanese guard Yuki Kawamura to a two-way NBA contract, sources tell ESPN,” Charania said. “The 5-foot-8 Kawamura averaged 3.4 points, 4.2 assists and 15.1 minutes in preseason, leading Grizzlies with 21 total assists, and earned a roster spot.”

“Kawamura is the shortest active player in the NBA – and the ninth player 5-foot-8 or shorter since the merger.”

Very few players shorter than Kawamura have ever played on an NBA roster, but Kawamura is probably hyper-aware of one of them, based on his heritage.

In 1947 and 1948, the New York Knicks briefly employed Japanese point guard Wataru “Wat” Misaka, who stood at five-foot-seven. 

Misaka led Utah to an NCAA championship in 1944 but then went overseas to fight for the United States in World War II. 

When Misaka joined the Knicks, he became the first Asian (and first non-Caucasian) player in the history of the league, which at the time was called the Basketball Association of America.

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