Who is 173 cm in the NBA?

The NBA’s Smallest Player Makes Big Waves

At just 173 cm (5’8”), Yuki Kawamura is defying the odds in the NBA, standing as the shortest active player in a league dominated by giants. His recent moment in the spotlight came on February 1, 2026, when he surprisingly won a jump ball against Kasparas Jakučionis, a 1.96-meter forward—highlighting not just size, but heart, timing, and sheer determination.

Kawamura, a dynamic guard from Japan, has turned heads not only for his stature but for his relentless energy, quick hands, and fearless playstyle. In a sport where height often dictates opportunity, Kawamura’s presence is rewriting expectations. While he may not tower over the competition, his vertical leap, anticipation, and basketball IQ allow him to compete at the highest level.

Winning a jump ball against a player over 20 cm taller isn’t just rare—it’s symbolic. It represents a shift in how skill, timing, and intelligence can level the playing field. Kawamura’s rise reflects a broader evolution in basketball, where agility and playmaking matter as much as wingspan.

Though he entered the league with questions about his size, Kawamura has answered them on the court. His journey resonates beyond stats; it’s about representation, resilience, and redefining what an NBA player can look like. In a league where legends are often measured in feet and inches, Kawamura proves that some of the biggest impacts come from the most unexpected places.

As fans watch him dart through defenders and challenge taller opponents, one thing becomes clear: in basketball, heart often outweighs height. And Yuki Kawamura has plenty of both.