Karim Lopez, a 19 year old forward from Hermosillo, Mexico, was picked 21st overall by the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft on Tuesday night. The Pistons traded the selection to the Memphis Grizzlies, so Lopez will join the Grizzlies.
Lopez played for the New Zealand Breakers in the NBL Next Stars program. In his most recent season, he averaged 11.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game. The 6 foot 8, 222 pound forward becomes the first Mexican born player ever selected in the first round of the NBA Draft. He is only the second Mexican born player drafted overall, after Eduardo Najera in 2000.
Lopez left Mexico at age 14 to pursue professional basketball in Spain before moving to the NBL. His selection marks a milestone for Mexican basketball. He is expected to add size and skill to the Grizzlies forward group alongside players like Ja Morant.