Lopez becomes NBA's 1st Mexico-born 1st-rounder, traded to Grizzlies
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- Karim Lopez became the first player born in Mexico to be selected in the first round of the NBA draft, picked No. 21 by the Detroit Pistons and immediately traded to the Memphis Grizzlies.
- The 6-foot-8 forward, ranked No. 14 by ESPN, played two seasons with the New Zealand Breakers in the Australian NBL, averaging 11.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and shooting 49% from the field last season.
- Born in Hermosillo, Mexico, Lopez moved to Spain at age 14 to join Joventut Badalona before signing with the Breakers in 2024, aiming to inspire young athletes in Mexico and grow basketball in the country.
- Lopez follows in the footsteps of Eduardo Najera, the only other Mexican-born NBA draftee who played from 2000 to 2012, signaling potential growth for Mexican basketball talent in the NBA.
- At the NBA combine, Lopez showcased impressive athleticism with a 38-inch max vertical leap, a nearly 7-foot wingspan, and an 8-foot-10 standing reach.
