Karim Lopez, a projected lottery pick in the upcoming draft, has declared for the 2026 NBA Draft and is expected to become the first Mexico-born first-round pick in league history.
Mexican prospect Karim Lopez is widely expected to make history in the upcoming NBA Draft.
Karim Lopez
Karim Lopez
Position: SG, SF
Age: 18
Height: 202 cm
Birth place: Hermosillo, Mexico
The 19-year-old has declared for the 2026 NBA Draft after an impressive season in Australia. If selected in the first round, he is currently projected to go No. 11, he would become the first Mexico-born first-round pick in NBA history.
"It's been my dream and my goal my whole life to play in the NBA," Lopez told ESPN. "Honestly, since I can remember. I was probably like 5 years old, making drawings of myself playing in the NBA. ... It's pretty special, you know, to be in this position right now."
Lopez averaged 11.9 points and 6.1 rebounds while shooting 49% from the field in 25.6 minutes per game this season for the New Zealand Breakers in Australia's NBL.
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