NBA's shortest player Yuki Kawamura drops heartfelt reaction to Ja Morant playfully renaming him

Superstar Ja Morant and NBA's shortest player Yuki Kawamura have developed a strong bond since Kawamura joined the Memphis Grizzlies in the offseason. The duo frequently engages in heartwarming banter on social media, often exchanging appreciative messages and playful interactions.

Continuing their wholesome dynamic, Morant recently gave Kawamura a new name. On Friday, the former Murray State standout shared an Instagram story in which he humorously renamed the Japanese star by adding "ya" between his first and last name.

"yuki ya kawamura," Morant wrote.

Kawamura, the 5-foot-8 guard, responded to his veteran teammate’s playful gesture with a heartfelt reaction. The young guard reposted Morant’s story on his own Instagram story and added a heartfelt message.

"Thank You for naming me "Ya" Yessir Jamel," Kawamura wrote.

Credit: Yuki Kawamura/Instagram)

Yuki Kawamura recently used Ja Morant's full name after the Grizzlies electrifying point guard set the internet on fire with a thunderous dunk over Victor Wembanyama on Wednesday.

"'This is Temetrius Jamel Morant", Kawamura wrote, referencing Morant’s full name.

As has been the norm, Morant responded to his teammate's shout out and penned a hilarious reply.

"Yuki learned my full name & ain't stopped calling me dat ... but you right ganger. MUST SEE is ME."

Ja Morant missed rematch against San Antonio Spurs

The Memphis Grizzlies secured a commanding 140-112 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Friday, despite the absence of Ja Morant. The two-time All-Star was sidelined due to right foot soreness.

"He's been nursing a foot sprain since the Houston home game," Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins said. "Last game against the Spurs, he got tangled up, had a little collision there with a Spurs player that really worsened it."

Meanwhile, Yuki Kawamura logged two minutes of playing time but remained scoreless. The 5-foot-8 guard has seen limited playing time this season as coach Jenkins has primarily utilized him during garbage time when the game’s outcome is already decided.