Yuki Kawamura sparks Chicago Bulls with Michael Jordan’s legendary spirit fueling NBA rise

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Yuki Kawamura sparks Chicago Bulls with Michael Jordan’s legendary spirit fueling NBA rise

Yuki Kawamura sparks Chicago Bulls with Michael Jordan’s legendary spirit fueling NBA rise (Image Source: Getty Images)

Chicago is buzzing ahead of the 2025–26 NBA season. The Chicago Bulls have their eyes on a new point guard who could bring something fresh to the second unit. His game is fast, his story is inspiring, and his path to the league has been anything but ordinary.

Yuki Kawamura joins Chicago Bulls ahead of 2025–26 season

On July 15, the Chicago Bulls made an announcement. They signed Yuki Kawamura, a 24-year-old guard from Japan’s national team. The team said Yuki will join their training camp in Chicago at the end of September.

Yuki got noticed after playing in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. He also played for Yokohama B-Corsairs in Japan’s B.League. People liked his speed, good passing, and how he leads on the court. NBA scouts watched him closely.

The Bulls believe Yuki will be a strong player for their bench this season.While Kawamura is adapting to the NBA’s pace, he is also learning to navigate life in the U.S. “It’s about understanding both the game and the culture here,” he told reporters during a media session at the Advocate Center on August 1, 2025.


Michael Jordan’s lasting legacy guides new Bulls talent

Although Michael Jordan retired in 2003, his presence still shapes the Bulls’ identity. Kawamura, who grew up watching Jordan highlights on television in Fukuoka, Japan, said he draws inspiration from the six-time NBA champion’s mentality.

During the Bulls’ summer program in Las Vegas in early July 2025, Kawamura spoke with Scottie Pippen Jr., who shared stories about how his father, Scottie Pippen, learned from Jordan’s work ethic. “It’s about showing up every day and competing like it’s the Finals,” Kawamura said.Bulls general manager Marc Eversley explained on NBA.com that the franchise keeps Jordan’s values alive through training habits, discipline, and focus on winning.

“Yuki understands what this jersey represents. He plays with pride,” Eversley noted.Kawamura had his first unofficial practice session with teammates Ja Morant, Jaylen Wells, and Scotty Pippen Jr. at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 13, 2025, when he was still visiting U.S. training facilities. The session, captured by Petre Thomas of Imagn Images, gave him a taste of NBA-level competition before signing with Chicago.Also Read: Julius 'Dr. J' Erving breathes new life into Rucker Park legacy bridging streetball and NBA dreamsFor Kawamura, joining the Bulls is not just a career step—it’s a chance to be part of a legacy. “Wearing this jersey means carrying history. That pushes me,” he said in an interview with ESPN.

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