Karim Lopez, Warriors
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Karim Lopez of the Breakers dunks the ball during the round 14 NBL match between Tasmania JackJumpers and New Zealand Breakers.
The Golden State Warriors may have gotten an early look at one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft — one whose rise could also resonate deeply across their home market.
Karim Lopez, a fast-rising international forward whom Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. scouted in person earlier this year, has officially declared for the NBA Draft, according to ESPN.
Lopez is currently ranked No. 11 on ESPN’s big board, placing him firmly in the projected lottery range — and potentially in play for a Warriors team navigating both immediate playoff stakes and long-term roster planning.
Warriors’ Draft Outlook Comes Into Focus
With 11 games remaining, Golden State is firmly entrenched in the Western Conference play-in picture, meaning it will finish no lower than 10th.
That positioning carries significant draft implications.
According to Tankathon projections, the Warriors’ first-round pick has a 77.6% chance of landing at No. 11 and just a 2.8% chance of jumping into the top four — a range that aligns closely with Lopez’s current projection.
Scouting Trip Now Looks Strategic
Golden State’s interest in Lopez dates back to January, when Dunleavy traveled to Auckland, New Zealand, to evaluate draft-eligible talent in the NBL.
During that visit, Lopez delivered a breakout performance for the New Zealand Breakers, scoring 32 points in a win over Melbourne United while the Warriors’ front office watched from courtside.
The performance offered a clear glimpse of his upside and reinforced why Golden State has been closely monitoring the international prospect.
Production and Potential in NBL Next Stars Program
Lopez has spent the past two seasons developing in the NBL’s Next Stars program, a proven pathway to the NBA.
The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 11.9 points and 6.1 rebounds this season while shooting 49% from the field in 25.6 minutes per game. He also set the single-season scoring record for draft-eligible Next Stars with 358 points across 30 starts.
His combination of size, a reported 7-foot-1 wingspan, ball skills and defensive activity — including 66 combined steals and blocks — has drawn strong interest from NBA scouts.
“Playing in a grown man league, it’s not easy,” Lopez told ESPN. “But there’s things I feel like people haven’t seen yet.”
Potential Fit Extends Beyond Basketball
Lopez’s potential impact in Golden State could extend beyond on-court fit.
The Bay Area is home to one of the largest Hispanic populations in the United States, with Latinos making up roughly 24–25% of the region’s population across the broader metropolitan area.
A Mexican-born lottery pick would carry cultural significance in a market where basketball continues to grow across diverse communities.
Lopez, who was born in Hermosillo, Mexico, has spoken openly about that responsibility.
“A goal of mine is to hopefully reach young people in Mexico,” he said. “Trying to grow the sport and inspire athletes and people in general to follow their dreams.”
He is widely projected to become the first player born in Mexico selected in the first round of the NBA Draft.
Warriors’ Long-Term Vision
For Golden State, Lopez represents a potential bridge between present contention and future development.
The organization has prioritized versatile, multi-skilled forwards, and Lopez’s profile aligns with that philosophy.
With the Warriors balancing a push for playoff positioning while evaluating long-term roster options, the groundwork laid during Dunleavy’s scouting trip could prove significant.