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Memphis Grizzlies' Big Decision Could Impact Yuki Kawamura

The Grizzlies still have roster decisions to make.

Joey Linn

Memphis Grizzlies guard Yuki Kawamura (17) against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Yuki Kawamura (17) against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
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The Memphis Grizzlies announced on Tuesday that the team had signed 23-year-old guard Scotty Pippen Jr. to a standard contract. Pippen had been on a two-way deal, but now occupies the roster spot vacated by Derrick Rose after his retirement from the NBA.

Via Grizzlies PR: "The Memphis Grizzlies today announced the team signed guard Scotty Pippen Jr. to a multi-year contract. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.”

This is not only big news for Pippen, but for other players with the Grizzlies in training camp who are now candidates for the vacated two-way spot.

One option for the newly opened two-way spot is 5-foot-8 guard Yuki Kawamura. A fan favorite, Kawamura is a superstar in Japan. Several fans believe he should be given a two-way contract with the Grizzlies.

Via @Grizzlies_szn: "Observing…"

Via @GrizzHooping: "I’ve seen enough give Yuki a 2-way, let him live out his NBA dream, and let him be a fan/team favorite"

Via @CREAMYCOLE_: "I’m thinking this means Yuki Kawamura gets a two-way spot"

Via @YossiGozlan: "Converting Scotty Pippen Jr. felt like the inevitable outcome after Derrick Rose retired. The Memphis Grizzlies fill their 14th roster spot and sit roughly $3.9 million below the luxury tax line. They also open up a two-way slot that could go to Yuki Kawamura."

Via @MyMikeCheck: "Move frees up the 2-way spot Scotty held. Could be a pathway for Yuki Kawamura. We'll see!"

Kawamura has averaged 4.3 points and 4.8 assists in 16.9 minutes per contest across four preseason games.

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Joey Linn
JOEY LINN

Title: Credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation Email: joeylinn52@gmail.com Education: Communication Studies degree from Biola University Location: Los Angeles, California Expertise: NBA analysis and reporting Experience: Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams during his time in school. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts, combined with his excellence in the classroom, earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time across multiple platforms, primarily serving as a credentialed Clippers beat writer.

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