Every other day leading up to the 2025-26 regular season, Pippen Ain’t Easy will profile a Chicago Bulls player, reviewing their contributions from last season and projecting their role for the year ahead.
Coming into the 2025 offseason, most Chicago Bulls fans would have said that one of the last pieces this team needed was another guard. Chicago concluded the 2024-25 season with 10 players listed as either point guard or shooting guard, leaving little to no room for additions in an already crowded backcourt. However, that perception quickly changed once Summer League rosters were revealed.
Yuki Kawamura forced his way onto the Bulls roster through an impressive showing at the 2K26 NBA Summer League, where he showcased his flashy blend of energy, creativity, and elite playmaking despite his 5-foot-8, 159-pound frame. Over the five-game span, Yuki consistently left defenders looking foolish, allowing him to earn the attention of the coaching staff and front office. Ultimately, his performances earned him a well-deserved two-way contract, securing a spot on the Bulls’ regular-season squad.
Let’s examine how the Japanese sensation performed in his rookie year with the Memphis Grizzlies, and how it might translate to this Chicago Bulls roster.
Yuki Kawamura's 2024-25 contributions
Entering the NBA as a 23-year-old rookie, Kawamura quickly became a fan favorite around the league due to his ability to compete in a league filled with giants. His non-stop energy and creative playmaking instantly provided a different element to the game the second he stepped on the court. He excelled in pushing the pace and finding teammates with unbelievable assists, resulting in the creation of easier scoring opportunities for others.
In 22 regular-season appearances with the Memphis Grizzlies, Kawamura averaged 1.6 points, 0.5 rebounds, and 0.9 assists in 4.2 minutes per game. While the numbers don't necessarily reflect it, Kawamura had a significant impact in the limited minutes he received. Not to mention, it takes time to adjust to the pace and physicality of the NBA, and he proved that he understands the demands of running an offense against the best competition in the world.
What Kawamura's role will look like this season
As Kawamura enters his first season with the Bulls, fans can expect him to provide an energetic and dynamic style in an end-of-the-bench role. Despite trading Lonzo Ball to the Cavaliers and losing Talen Horton-Tucker to an overseas contract, Kawamura will remain the fourth-string point guard behind the likes of Josh Giddey, Tre Jones, and Jevon Carter. Unfortunately, the NBA minutes he receives will likely come as a result of injuries at the point guard position or late-game blowouts.
However, a two-way contract gives Kawamura the opportunity to be the starting point guard for the Bulls’ G-League affiliate, the Windy City Bulls. Last season, Kawamura saw slightly more action in the G-League than the NBA, appearing in 24 games with the Memphis Hustle and finishing sixth in the league in assists per game. This experience should help him make the most of any opportunity in Chicago, whether it be with Chicago or Windy City.
For Bulls fans, Yuki Kawamura will bring a mix of excitement and energy. While his minutes in the NBA may initially be limited, his energy, creativity, and playmaking ability make him a player to watch. Overall, he has the opportunity to impact the Windy City Bulls as the primary ball handler or the Chicago Bulls as a great depth piece. He has the skill set to compete with the best players in the world, and fans around the world will be rooting for him to do just that.