The Memphis Grizzlies are signing rookie point guard Yuki Kawamura to a two-way contract, the team announced Saturday afternoon.

Kawamura joined the Grizzlies in the preseason on a non-guaranteed exhibit 10 deal. His passing and playmaking abilities were highlighted over a two-game stretch during which he had 15 assists.

Memphis needed point guard depth after losing Derrick Rose to retirement a week before the preseason. The team promoted Scotty Pippen Jr. from a two-way contract to a standard deal. That opened up a spot for the 5-foot-8 Kawamura.

Kawamura is now the shortest active player in the NBA. The Japan native starred for his host country in the 2024 Tokyo Olympics. He joins Yuta Watanabe as the only Japanese players to play for the Grizzlies. Kawamura is also the second active Japanese player, joining Rui Hachimura.

While on a two-way contract, Kawamura can be active only for a maximum of 50 games. He will also be ineligible for the playoffs.

Kawamura joins center Jay Huff and rookie guard Cam Spencer as players occupying the Grizzlies' three two-way slots.

When Kawamura is not with the Grizzlies, he’ll be playing with the G League Memphis Hustle.

Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies sign 5-foot-8 Yuki Kawamura to two-way contract