Karim Lopez
March 2026

Karim Lopez has declared for the 2026 NBA Draft and is projected to become the first Mexico-born player selected in the first round. ESPN’s board listed him at No. 11, putting the forward firmly in the conversation as one of the top international prospects. Lopez told ESPN that reaching the NBA has been his goal since childhood after two developmental seasons with the New Zealand Breakers. Reports highlighted his size, wingspan and versatility, while also noting that his draft stock now gives him a real chance to set a landmark for Mexican basketball.