Ja Morant has formed a unique friendship with new teammate Yuki Kawamura, bridging cultures with humor, handshakes, and shared language-learning moments.
In one of the most interesting subplots of this Grizzlies' season, the team's star has become close with one of the new players from the end of the roster.
Memphis signed Japanese star Yuki Kawamura to a two-way contract, and he quickly became a fan favorite. Kawamura is still learning English daily, with help from Ja.
Morant and Kawamura's handshake
It took only one day for Yuki and Ja to invent their new handshake. Since then, their relationship has been growing.
"It's so funny to see that unfold," Jay Huff told Damichael Cole of the Commercial Appeal.
"It's funny to watch; they seem like two little buddies," Brandon Clarke said. "I like to watch them. Feels like it's two sides colliding."
Morant has one of the biggest personalities, not only among the Grizzlies but also in all of the NBA. He is an energetic, outspoken young player who has been a role model for many young players.
The same can be said for Yuki Kawamura if it is to be believed. He can rarely sit tight and has left a good impression on his teammates in a little more than a month since he joined the team. "He barely knew English, but he was already super engaged with the team," said Santi Aldama, who is from Spain. "With English being my second language, I know how hard that is."
Different backgrounds
Their relationship is exciting because of their backgrounds. Kawamura is still adapting to the culture and the language, and Morant is a self-described country boy from a small town in South Carolina.
Even though Kawamura is learning a language, nothing could prepare him for Morant's slang. "I got a little language barrier, too, man," Morant said. He laughs every day when Kawamura shows him the new gestures he learned. And, he has something new to show every day, Morant said.
Kawamura showed him the "raising the roof" gesture - something reserved for big dunk moments. But Kawamura recently did it after the Grizzlies made free throws without much impact on the game. "A lot of stuff he learns, and he just say, and it don't be at the right moment," Morant said, laughing. "But aye, man, it's Yuki. It's his world, and we're just living in it."
His new favorite move is John Cena's "you can't see me" gesture, which involves waving his hand across his face after making a 3-pointer.
"I just got to make sure we keep it the right stuff and make sure he don't be saying none too wild," Morant said.
Kawamura's cultural exchange
While Kawamura is learning American culture from his teammates, he is teaching them his Japanese culture. One day, he walked into the locker room with Japanese candies. The reviews have been good; some patiently await the next round.
"They were really good," Aldama said of the jelly beans. "I still have some at home. They were really good to the point where I asked him not to give me more because I'm trying to dose them, but it's pretty hard."
Kawamura adapted well to his new surroundings, and the fans have adapted well to him as well. "He just brings a light and joy to the team," Morant said. "Just making sure he's as comfortable as possible. Just making sure that he's being him, and he ain't shying away from it at all."