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Karim López becomes first Mexican selected in first round of 2026 NBA Draft
The 2026 NBA Draft in New York featured several headline‑making selections. The Washington Wizards used the No. 1 overall pick to select AJ Dybantsa, a 19‑year‑old forward from BYU, who is eligible for a rookie contract worth up to $69 million over four years. The Utah Jazz took Kansas guard Darryn Peterson at No. 2, with a projected $61.8 million deal. Memphis Grizzlies chose Duke forward Cameron Boozer with the No. 3 pick.
In a historic moment for Mexican basketball, 19‑year‑old Karim López was taken with the 21st overall pick. The Detroit Pistons announced the selection and immediately traded his rights to the Memphis Grizzlies. López, born in Hermosillo and developed in Spain and New Zealand, becomes the first player born in Mexico ever drafted in the NBA’s first round, joining the small list of Mexicans who have played in the league.
Analysts described the draft class as one of the deepest in recent memory, and fans in Washington celebrated Dybantsa as a "franchise‑altering" pick. The rookie salary scale highlighted the financial gap between the top three selections and later picks, underscoring its impact on team roster planning.