The Brooklyn Nets are getting an up-close look at two lottery-projected prospects, with the 2026 NBA Draft two weeks away. Karim Lopez revealed on the Kevin O'Connor Show that he and Nate Ament are working out for the Nets on Tuesday.
“I’m going to Brooklyn,” Lopez said. “Going up against Nate Ament. I think that’s who’s going to be in that workout. I’m super excited for that. I feel like it’s going to be a good one.”
Lopez has turned heads over the last several years as the highest-ranked prospect in Mexico's history. At 6-foot-8 and 220 pounds with a seven-foot wingspan, the 19-year-old's physical tools served him well this season with the New Zealand Breakers.
Lopez is a versatile, hard-nosed defender who has flashed promise as a three-point shooter and ancillary shot creator. He averaged 11.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks on .490/.322/.739 shooting splits across 30 appearances this season.
Lopez is projected to be picked No. 16 by the Memphis Grizzlies in ClutchPoints' latest mock draft. ESPN has him going No. 14 to the Charlotte Hornets, while The Athletic has him going No. 23 to the Atlanta Hawks.
Nate Ament, Karim Lopez working out for Nets with NBA Draft two weeks away
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Michigan guard Roddy Gayle Jr. (11) defends Tennessee forward Nate Ament (10) during the first half of NCAA Tournament Elite 8 round.
© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Meanwhile, Ament has been a highly speculated target for the Nets at No. 6. Numerous insiders and analysts have connected the 6-foot-10 forward to Brooklyn. However, many have questioned whether GM Sean Marks would pull the trigger on the controversial pick.
Ament entered the season as a top-five projected pick but fell on many big boards after extended struggles. He averaged 16.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists while shooting 33.3 percent from three and 43.3 percent on twos with Tennessee. Despite his college scoring struggles, many have pointed to his two-way upside as a jumbo on-ball creator, floor spacer and defender on the wing.
Tuesday's workout could give the Nets a better look at Ament's shooting and on-ball skills against another top prospect at a similar position.
ClutchPoints and Yahoo Sports projected the Nets to select Amemt at No. 6 in their latest mock drafts. Meanwhile, ESPN has him going No. 10 to the Milwaukee Bucks, while The Athletic has him going No. 12 to the Golden State Warriors.
The Brooklyn Nets are getting an up-close look at two lottery-projected prospects, with the 2026 NBA Draft two weeks away. Karim Lopez revealed on the Kevin O'Connor Show that he and Nate Ament are working out for the Nets on Tuesday. “I’m going to Brooklyn,” Lopez said. “Going up against Nate Ament. I think that’s who’s going to be in that workout.