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Olivari, Kawamura get rewarded by Lakers, Grizzlies after strong preseason play

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Olivari, Kawamura get rewarded by Lakers, Grizzlies after strong preseason play

Olivari, Kawamura get rewarded by Lakers, Grizzlies after strong preseason play

Anthony Valmoria
Anthony Valmoria
Oct 20 2024 6:45AM UTC

Young point guards Quincy
Olivari and Yuki Kawamura have been rewarded by their respective
ball clubs after impressing in the preseason.

The Los Angeles Lakers and the
Memphis Grizzlies both gave out two-way NBA contracts to the young
guards, upgrading their previous Exhibit 10 deals. 

To make the move, the Lakers had
to waive two-way center Colin Castleton and guard Grayson Murphy,
allocating the space to Olivari.

The 22-year-old Olivari in his
preseason stint with the Lakers, having totals of 35 points on
12-23 shooting, 8-14 3PT, 14 rebounds, and 4 assists across 4
games.

Olivari particularly stood out
for the Lakers in their game against the Milwaukee Bucks and the
Golden State Warriors, providing necessary energy on both ends of
the floor.

Olivari quickly became the best
wholesome story of the whole preseason
after his exchange with lifetime
favorite player Stephen Curry.

Kawamura, 23, has also shined
for the Grizzlies in a similar way by fighting over screens and
playing on and off ball defense with a concerted effort despite
just standing at 5-foot-8.

Kawamura has been a playmaker
for the Grizzlies’ offense and will now be the shortest active
player in the NBA – and the ninth player 5-foot-8 or shorter since
the merger.

The Japanese guard’s play has
caught Memphis’ eye and this has resulted in a two-way contract.
The Grizzlies brought in Kawamura this offseason following a strong
performance for Japan at the Olympics, where he nearly led his
country to a monumental upset against Victor Wembanyama and hosts
France. Kawamura stood tall amongst the giants by pouring in 29
points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists despite falling short in the
end.

Kawamura averaged 3.4 points,
4.2 assists and 15.1 minutes in preseason, leading Grizzlies with
21 total assists, and has now earned a roster spot.

In other news, the New York
Knicks have waived guard Landry Shamet after he suffered a
dislocated shoulder. 

The Knicks are expected to keep
12 standard roster players and look to bring Shamet back once he
recovers after averaging 0.8 PPG on 36% FG and 30% 3PT in the
preseason. 

The Knicks also waived Chuma
Okeke and TJ Warren in the process.

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Source: https://www.basketballnews.com/