Yuki Kawamura and Ja Morant’s Relationship Explained: How the Grizzlies Teammates Developed the NBA’s Funniest Friendship

The NBA has had dynamic duos throughout its history. The league’s newest duo is taking the world by storm, and it’s not directly related to their performance on the field.

Grizzlies star Ja Morant and undrafted rookie Yuki Kawamura have quickly formed a bond that has endeared fans from near and far. When Kawamura earned a two-way contract with Memphis, he quickly gained Morant’s favor and the two formed a healthy bond.

Here’s more on the relationship between one of the league’s most electric players and an undrafted rookie.

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The relationship between Yuki Kawamura and Ja Morant, explained

The Grizzlies signed Kawamura to a training camp contract on September 6th. Weeks later, training camp opened and fans got their first glimpse of the connection between Kawamura and Morant during an open workout at the FedEx Forum.

As the freshmen began a dance competition, Kawamura honored Morant by incorporating a rendition of the Griddy into his routine. The crowd loved Kawamura’s moves and Morant decided to join the newcomer and dance at midfield.

The Grizz throw out Yuki Kawamura for the rookie dance competition. He stole the show. Ja Morant even goes out and joins him. pic.twitter.com/RARRvmWHeI

— Drew Hill (@DrewHill_DM) October 6, 2024

As impressive as Kawamura’s dance moves were, his play on the court during training camp and preseason impressed Memphis’ front office. Kawamura signed a two-way contract with the franchise on October 19th and Morant celebrated by simply sharing a photo of Kawamura on X (formerly Twitter).

pic.twitter.com/IcO24kN2tJ

– Ja Morant (@JaMorant) October 19, 2024

The relationship is much more than just a show. As the regular season approached, the Grizzlies players and staff gathered for a 2000s-themed party. Morant and Kawamura posed for a photo that the basketball world loved.

The following post was viewed almost 600,000 times in just a few weeks.

師弟コンビで✌️

河村勇輝、モラントの影響かなり受けてるかもしれませんね🤣👍 pic.twitter.com/VUnX5IrGRd

– BNFA aka NBAnews4All (@__BNFA) October 20, 2024

Earlier in the season, Morant and Kawamura celebrated Memphis’ season-opening win with a post they shared on an Instagram story.

Yes and Yuki after the first Grizzlies Dub😂😂 pic.twitter.com/NCBEAOMQ0V

— BIGMEM12 (@BIGMEM12) October 24, 2024

Days later, Morant grabbed a bucket and pointed at Kawamura, who then took a “too small” celebration from the bench.

MORE: Meet Grizzlies’ fan favorite Yuki Kawamura

At 5-8, Kawamura is the smallest player in the league this season, but he explained that he learned cheering from Morant, who, like other Grizzlies teammates, teaches Kawamura more about American culture.

Yuki Kawamura said that Ja Morant taught him this celebration yesterday:

“So small, right?”

“That’s disrespectful, right? I don’t like that. But if my teammates dive on them from the bench, I will.” https://t.co/12TjaK68ux

— Drew Hill (@DrewHill_DM) November 3, 2024

Even after Morant left early due to injury, he proudly watched from the tunnel as Kawamura scored his first NBA points in a win over the Lakers.

yuuuuu 💪🏾 https://t.co/ouHiYinCAT

– Ja Morant (@JaMorant) November 7, 2024

As the duo’s relationship grows, so does Kawamura’s comfort level in the league. A player on a two-way contract, he will split his time with the Grizzlies and their G League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle.

Regardless, the franchise member’s support and friendship will only help Kawamura as he continues to navigate life in the NBA.