Hachimura and Kawamura Debuted for Clippers
Rui Hachimura scored 21 points while Yuki Kawamura added a point in a preseason win over the Golden State Warriors.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Basketball
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Rui Hachimura and Yuki Kawamura made their debut for the Los Angeles Clippers in a 104-101 victory over the Golden State Warriors. The game took place at the Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu.
Why it matters
These debuts showcase new roster additions for the Clippers, highlighting Hachimura's integration into the offense and Kawamura's attempt to secure a permanent spot on the team.
Rui Hachimura recorded 21 points on 8-of-11 shooting, including 4-of-5 from three-point range, while Yuki Kawamura scored one point on a free throw in four minutes of play.
The players
Rui Hachimura
He is an NBA forward who signed a two-year $28 million contract with the Los Angeles Clippers in July 2026.
Yuki Kawamura
He is a guard who played for the Chicago Bulls last season and is currently on an Exhibit 10 contract with the Clippers.
Los Angeles Clippers
They are a professional basketball team competing in the NBA.
Golden State Warriors
They are a professional basketball team based in San Francisco that competed against the Clippers in this preseason matchup.
The details
Hachimura also contributed five rebounds and one block during his performance. Kawamura, who previously played for the Chicago Bulls, is currently competing on a non-guaranteed Exhibit 10 contract.
Timeline
July 2026: Rui Hachimura signed his two-year $28 million contract.
August 2026: Yuki Kawamura signed his one-year non-guaranteed Exhibit 10 contract.
October 5, 2026: Hachimura and Kawamura made their Clippers debut in Honolulu.
Season Trajectory
These debuts signal the Clippers' ongoing roster experimentation as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season. Performance in these preseason matchups directly influences the team's decision to convert non-guaranteed deals into two-way roster spots.
Hachimura's 21-point performance validates his $28 million contract value, suggesting a significant role in the upcoming rotation. Meanwhile, Kawamura's limited playing time indicates he remains in a competition to secure a roster spot for the regular season.
The takeaway
Preseason games serve as a critical evaluation period for players on non-guaranteed contracts to prove their worth to the coaching staff. Fans should monitor roster updates closely as teams finalize their lineups before the regular season begins.
What happens next
The Clippers management may choose to convert Yuki Kawamura's current Exhibit 10 deal into a two-way contract prior to the start of the NBA regular season.
Further reading
For more on the team's roster moves, visit the Los Angeles Basketball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Heavy.
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