Karim Lopez is on the brink of making basketball history—and the excitement is palpable across both sides of the border. The 19-year-old forward from Hermosillo, Mexico, has officially declared for the 2026 NBA Draft, and if projections hold, he could soon become the first Mexico-born player ever selected in the first round. This milestone would not only be a personal triumph for Lopez but also a landmark moment for Mexican basketball, signaling a new era of international talent entering the league.
Lopez’s journey to this point reads like a script straight out of a sports drama. Born to former Mexican national team player Jesús Hiram Lopez, Karim’s basketball roots run deep. "It's been my dream and my goal my whole life to play in the NBA," Lopez told ESPN. "Honestly, since I can remember. I was probably like 5 years old, making drawings of myself playing in the NBA. ... It's pretty special, you know, to be in this position right now." That sense of destiny has fueled his relentless work ethic and ambition, pushing him to the upper echelons of the 2026 draft class.
Standing at 6-foot-9 with a 7-1 wingspan, Lopez is the prototype of the modern NBA forward. Scouts rave about his combination of size, ball-handling, playmaking flashes, and physical toughness. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Woo and Shams Charania, Lopez is currently ranked No. 11 on ESPN’s big board and is widely considered the top international prospect in this year’s draft. USA TODAY’s latest mock draft projects him to go No. 17 overall to the Oklahoma City Thunder, a team with a history of mining Australia’s NBL for talent.
Lopez’s development has been anything but conventional. At just 14, he left Mexico for Spain, joining the renowned youth system of Joventut Badalona. It was there that Lopez sharpened his skills before making the leap to the New Zealand Breakers in Australia’s NBL as part of the league’s Next Stars program. Over the past two seasons, he’s been tested against seasoned professionals, a challenge he relished. "Playing in a grown man league, it's not easy. But there's things I feel like people haven't seen yet," Lopez shared with ESPN. "I want to show NBA teams who I am."
This season with the Breakers, Lopez averaged 11.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and shot 49% from the field in 25.6 minutes per game—a testament to his efficiency and adaptability. He also set the single-season points record for draft-eligible NBL Next Stars, tallying 358 points across 30 starts. His 32-point explosion on January 30 in a win over Melbourne turned heads, highlighting his offensive versatility and ability to take over games. In that contest, he shot an eye-popping 11-of-13 from the field, grabbed eight rebounds, and added two blocks and a steal—numbers that underscore his all-around impact.
But Lopez’s contributions go beyond the box score. He matched the combined steals and blocks record (66) set by 2025 draftee Alex Toohey, further demonstrating his defensive instincts and hustle. Despite the Breakers finishing with a 14-20 record, they managed to capture the NBL’s inaugural Ignite Cup, a regular-season tournament, with Lopez playing a pivotal role on a veteran-laden roster. Reflecting on his NBL experience, Lopez said, "[The NBL] was a lot of learning in both years, a great chapter of my life. I think once I was completely healthy, [this season] took off in the right direction. Obviously, I would have liked to make the playoffs, but winning the Ignite Cup was big time. I'm really happy about the experience I gained, all the preparation."
NBA scouts have been particularly intrigued by Lopez’s physical tools and versatility. His size and length allow him to guard multiple positions, while his ball skills and flashes of playmaking hint at untapped upside. However, there are still areas for improvement—most notably his perimeter shooting and explosiveness, which will be under scrutiny during the predraft process. According to scouting reports, Lopez’s three-point shooting this season hovered around 32.6%, and he averaged two assists per game, showing growth as a facilitator.
Lopez’s path to the NBA has also been shaped by adversity. He overcame a summer back injury that initially slowed his progress, but he bounced back in his second NBL season, showcasing increased confidence and assertiveness. His resilience and leadership have not gone unnoticed, and many believe he’s only scratched the surface of his potential.
Beyond his on-court achievements, Lopez carries a sense of responsibility to inspire the next generation in his homeland. "A goal of mine is to hopefully reach young people in Mexico," Lopez told ESPN. "Trying to grow the sport and inspire athletes and people in general to follow their dreams. Show people that it doesn't matter where you're from." His story resonates with aspiring athletes across Mexico and Latin America, serving as a beacon for what’s possible with hard work and determination.
As draft night approaches, all eyes will be on Lopez at the NBA Draft Combine, scheduled for May 10-17 in Chicago. The draft itself is set for late June, where Lopez is expected to hear his name called in the first round—a moment that would cement his place in the history books. While some analysts, like those at USA TODAY, have him going slightly later at No. 17, the consensus among scouts and executives is that Lopez’s upside and international pedigree make him a coveted prospect.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, with a track record of developing international talent from the NBL, are seen as a logical landing spot. Their crowded rotation could make Lopez a prime candidate for a draft-and-stash scenario, allowing him to continue honing his game before making the leap to the NBA. Still, wherever he lands, Lopez’s impact will be felt far beyond the hardwood.
For now, the anticipation builds. Will Karim Lopez become the first Mexico-born first-round pick in NBA history? The answer is just weeks away, and the basketball world is watching closely. One thing’s for sure: Lopez’s journey has already inspired countless fans and set a new standard for what’s possible for Mexican athletes on the global stage.
With the NBA Draft Combine and draft night looming, Lopez stands on the threshold of a new chapter—one that could change the face of Mexican basketball forever.