Mexican forward Karim Lopez poised to become first first‑round NBA draft pick

Karim López, a 19‑year‑old Mexican forward, is a leading prospect for the 2026 NBA Draft after two seasons with the New Zealand Breakers in the NBL’s Next Stars program. He averaged 11.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks while shooting 49% in the 2025–26 Hungry Jack’s NBL season and helped the Breakers win the inaugural Ignite Cup Final.

Lopez attracted interest from several NBA clubs, received an invitation to the Draft Combine in Chicago, and was among the players invited to the draft’s Green Room. Analysts project him as a potential first‑round selection, with mock drafts placing him between the ninth pick by the Dallas Mavericks and the 14th pick by the Charlotte Hornets. If drafted in the first round, López would become the first Mexican ever selected at that stage, a milestone for Mexican basketball.