Karim Lopez, a 6-foot-8 forward from Hermosillo, Mexico, has officially declared for the 2026 NBA Draft after two productive seasons with the New Zealand Breakers in Australia’s NBL. The 18-year-old stands poised to become the first Mexican-born player selected in the first round, following in the footsteps of Eduardo Najera, drafted in 2000(2nd round).
Born on April 12, 2007, Lopez has emerged as one of the top international prospects in a competitive draft class. Playing in the NBL Next Stars program, he honed his skills against professional competition at a young age. In his second season, Lopez averaged 11.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.0 block per game across 30 appearances, shooting 49.4 percent from the field and 32.2 percent from three-point range. Those per-36-minute figures translate to 16.8 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks, underscoring his efficiency in limited minutes, often under 26 per game.
Lopez’s game blends size, strength and versatility. At 220 pounds with broad shoulders, he holds his own physically, excelling as a rebounder, particularly on the offensive glass and finisher around the rim. He embraces contact, using good footwork and touch to convert through traffic. Offensively, he operates comfortably off the ball as a cutter and spot-up shooter, with a steady handle that allows him to attack closeouts. Defensively, his length and awareness enable him to guard multiple positions, rotating effectively and contesting shots.
Scouts praise his maturity, basketball IQ and team-first motor, though areas for growth remain. His three-point shooting showed early-season promise at 40 percent on modest volume, but cooled later, dipping to around 22 percent over a stretch of games. Some view him as more of a power forward than a true wing due to occasional mechanical movements, and his handle and left hand need refinement for expanded creation duties. A summer back injury also limited him early this season, placing him on a minutes restriction.
Some mock drafts project Lopez anywhere from the late lottery to the early 20s, with one outlet slotting him at No. 21 to Denver and another at No. 23 overall among small forwards. Analysts compare his style to Keldon Johnson or a variant of Aaron Gordon—tough, multi-faceted forwards who crash boards, slash and space the floor. His production in a pro league at such a young age has scouts intrigued about his NBA fit as a two-way contributor.
Should Lopez land in the first round, he would etch his name in history as Mexico’s breakthrough star, potentially elevating the country’s profile in global basketball. NBA teams value his tools and upside, positioning him as a late-teen or 20s pick with championship-potential as a third option down the line. As the draft process unfolds, his continued development will shape his exact landing spot.
👏 ¡LA MENTALIDAD DE KARIM LÓPEZ!
— ESPN.com.mx (@ESPNmx) March 23, 2026
Salió de su casa a los 13 años para formarse en España, así lo recuerda 🥹
EN VIVO x ESPN y #DisneyPlus pic.twitter.com/jb2Ao1aRdR
