Clippers debut two Japanese players in preseason against Warriors
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 5, 2026, 9:20 AM
Last updated Oct 5, 2026
The Los Angeles Clippers opened their preseason on October 5, 2026, featuring two Japanese players, Rui Hachimura and Yuki Kawamura, in their debut against the Golden State Warriors. Hachimura scored 21 points in a strong performance, while Kawamura played four minutes and scored one point. This marked a historic moment as they became the first pair of Japanese teammates in NBA history to play together. Hachimura praised Kawamura for handling his nerves and emphasized the importance of finding his role. The Clippers signed Kawamura to a one-year, non-guaranteed Exhibit 10 contract, with the possibility of converting it to a two-way deal before the season starts.
- •Clippers played preseason opener against Warriors in Honolulu, Hawaii.
- •Hachimura scored 21 points, shooting 8-of-11 from the field.
- •Kawamura scored one point in his debut, working to find his position.
- •Hachimura signed a two-year contract, while Kawamura is on an Exhibit 10 deal.
- •This duo marks the first Japanese teammates in NBA history.
- 9:20 AMYahoo Sports — Ex-Lakers Forward Gives Honest Take on Japanese Guard’s Clippers Debut
"The Los Angeles Clippers welcomed two Japanese players on their preseason campaign as Rui Hachimura, a former Los Angeles Lakers forward, and Yuki Kamura made their debuts with the new squad. Hachimura and Kawamura made a historic debut for the Clippers on October 5, 2026, as the first pair of Japanese teammates to take the […] The post Ex-Lakers Forward Gives Honest Take on Japanese Guard’s Clippers Debut appeared first on HEAVY.
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