NBA's shortest player Yuki Kawamura sends heartfelt 3-word message to $8,511,167 rising star as he rejoins Ja Morant and Co.
The Memphis Grizzlies' 5-foot-8 guard Yuki Kawamura is looking forward to teammate GG Jackson's injury return as he prepares to join Ja Morant and Co. On Wednesday and Saturday, Jackson teamed up with Kawamura on the Hustle, Memphis' G League team.
However, the Grizzlies called him back after he completed the final stages of his ramp-up process. Jackson had a right broken foot metatarsal, which required surgery, delaying his season debut.
In his first game on Wednesday in the G League, he dropped 18 points on 5-of-16 shots in the Hustle's 132-128 overtime loss to the Rip City Blazers. On Saturday, Jackson looked more comfortable in his 16-point outing against the Texas Legends. He shot 6 of 14 in that contest.
Jackson and Kawamura seemingly bonded in their time together as teammates on the Hustle. Jackson shared a video edited by a Dallas-based photographer on Instagram, captioned:
"Get you a friendship like this"
Yuki Kawamura posted it on his Instagram story and left a heartfelt 3-word message as GG Jackson left him and the Hustle to rejoin Ja Morant and Co. in Memphis ahead of Monday's game against the Timberwolves.
"Good luck brother," Kawamura wrote.
Kawamura has gelled well with his Grizzlies teammates since signing a two-way deal with the franchise last summer. Ja Morant is one of his closest friends, too.
Yuki Kawamura remains with Hustle, GG Jackson not on injury report and Ja Morant iffy to return
Ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies' TNT showdown against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Yuki Kawamura and Ja Morant are on the injury report, while GG Jackson is in line to make his season debut. Kawamura is out as he's with the Hustle, who face the Texas Legends again on Monday in Frisco.
Meanwhile, Morant is questionable, citing left foot soreness. He missed the last game against the Spurs on Friday. It would be the first time GG Jackson and Ja Morant play together if the latter is upgraded to available before the game.
Morant's season-ending shoulder injury last season was one of the key reasons that gave GG Jackson a chance with the Grizzlies, which he fully maximized. Jackson averaged 14.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists, shooting 42.8%. He had 10 20-point outings in 48 appearances, including several 30-point games.
In the Grizzlies' season finale, he torched the then-defending champions Denver Nuggets for 44 points and 12 rebounds on 47.2% shooting.
Jackson's performances earned him a four-year $8,511,167 contract with the Grizzlies (contract value via Spotrac), which he signed in February 2024.