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Mexican Guard Karim Lopez Becomes First-Round Pick, Traded to Memphis

6/24/2026

Summary

Karim Lopez Drafted

Karim Lopez (19) of Mexico was the 21st pick in the 2026 NBA Draft on June 24, 2026 and was traded to Memphis.
He became the first Mexican taken in the first round and the 12th NBL Next Star drafted.
He averaged 10.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1 block with the New Zealand Breakers and posted 11.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.2 steals in the Hungry Jack’s NBL26 season.

Summary

Grizzlies Stockpile

Memphis Grizzlies moved from No. 16 to No. 21, acquiring five second-round picks via two draft-day trades.
They sent No. 16 pick Bennett Stirtz to Oklahoma City for two second-round selections and traded No. 17 pick Ebuka Okorie to Detroit for three more, dropping to No. 21.
Memphis kept first-round picks Cameron Boozer (No. 3) and Lopez (No. 21), creating a deep asset pool and a wing group with Santi Aldama, Cedric Coward, Cam Boozer and GG Jackson.

History

Historical Context

When the Houston Rockets chose Mexican forward Eduardo Nájera 58th overall in the 2000 NBA Draft—making him the league’s first drafted Mexican player—he logged 5.2 points and 3.0 rebounds over 12 seasons. His breakthrough spurred teams like the Memphis Grizzlies to prioritize international talent, evident in their 2026 retention of pick Karim Lopez.

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Karim Lopez Drafted

Karim Lopez (19) of Mexico was the 21st pick in the 2026 NBA Draft on June 24, 2026 and was traded to Memphis.
He became the first Mexican taken in the first round and the 12th NBL Next Star drafted.
He averaged 10.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1 block with the New Zealand Breakers and posted 11.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.2 steals in the Hungry Jack’s NBL26 season.

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