Yuki Kawamura admitted that being the NBA's shortest player isn't easy, but said the strong support from fans motivates him to keep proving that a player his size can succeed at the highest level.
Chicago Bulls point guard Yuki Kawamura has quickly become one of the most lovable players in the NBA whenever he steps onto the court. Fans often cheer loudly when the Japanese playmaker checks into the game.
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K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network asked Kawamura whether he hears the crowd's support when he enters the game.
"I hear it. Honestly, it's amazing," Kawamura said. "I appreciate the fans' support. I couldn't have done this without them. It's a motivation for me. I want to prove that a short player like me can play in the NBA. Being short isn't easy."
At 5-foot-7 (1.70 m), Kawamura is currently the shortest player in the NBA. The 24-year-old tries to compensate for his size with energy and hustle.
"I need to pick up fullcourt, take a charge," he said. "I have to be consistent with my play, no matter if I'm in the G League or the NBA. I have to be better.
"What I've been doing isn't good enough. I just want to meet expectations from my coaches, teammates, and fans."
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Johnson also noted that Kawamura's English has improved. While the Japanese star downplayed it, the reporter said he has been told that Kawamura takes learning English very seriously.
When Johnson joked that Kawamura has become good at using curse words, the guard laughed and replied: "My teammates give me a lot of practice."
Kawamura has had limited NBA opportunities with the Bulls this season. He is averaging 3.0 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game while shooting 33.3 percent from the field and 31.3 percent from three-point range across 11 games (11.0 minutes per game).
Still, Kawamura is playing nearly three times more in Chicago than he did last season with the Memphis Grizzlies.
He has also been splitting time with the Windy City Bulls in the G League. In nine games there, Kawamura is averaging 17.7 points, 11.3 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per game while shooting 36.5 percent from the field.
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