How Karim López Became Mexico’s Biggest NBA Prospect in Decades
The 19-year-old forward became the first player born in Mexico selected in the NBA draft's first round. He was taken 21st overall by the Detroit Pistons before a trade sent him to the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night.
What changed
New details confirm Lopez was originally drafted by the Detroit Pistons before being traded.
Live updates
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Karim Lopez Makes NBA Draft History as Mexico-Born First-Rounder
confidence 100%The 19-year-old forward became the first player born in Mexico selected in the NBA draft's first round. He was taken 21st overall by the Detroit Pistons before a trade sent him to the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night.
What's confirmed:
- Karim Lopez is the first person born in Mexico to be selected in the first round of the NBA draft.
- The Detroit Pistons selected Lopez with the No. 21 pick.
- Lopez was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night.
- Lopez is 19 years old.
Still unconfirmed:
- Lopez's rise to prospect status involved Hermosillo drills, 2020 park workouts and Hiram's basketball path.
- Lopez's emotional response to the draft is sparking buzz online.
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Karim Lopez Makes History as First Mexican-Born First-Round NBA Pick
confidence 100%Karim Lopez has become the first player born in Mexico to be selected in the first round of the NBA Draft. The Memphis Grizzlies chose the forward with the 21st overall pick. Lopez described the moment as "Super Special" during his reaction.
What's confirmed:
- Karim Lopez is the first Mexican-born player selected in the first round of the NBA Draft.
- The Memphis Grizzlies selected Lopez with the No. 21 pick.
Still unconfirmed:
- Fans have speculated if Lopez is related to twin brothers Brook and Robin Lopez.
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Karim Lopez Emerges as Top Mexican NBA Prospect for 2026 Draft
confidence 80%Mexican forward Karim Lopez is positioned as one of the most prominent international names for the 2026 NBA draft. He is projected to be the first Mexican-born player ever selected in the first round. The draft is scheduled for next Tuesday.
What's confirmed:
- Karim Lopez is expected to be the first Mexican-born player selected in the first round of the NBA draft.
- The 2026 NBA draft takes place next Tuesday.
Still unconfirmed:
- NBA front offices are divided on the forward's potential.
- Lopez moved to Spain at age 14 to join a basketball academy after training in Hermosillo, Mexico.
- Lopez is one of the biggest international names in the 2026 draft.
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Karim Lopez Declares for 2026 NBA Draft
confidence 100%Mexican forward Karim Lopez has officially entered the NBA draft. He is expected to be the first Mexican-born player selected in the first round. The 19-year-old recently completed a stint in Australia's NBL.
What's confirmed:
- Karim Lopez has declared for the NBA draft.
- Lopez is poised to be the first player born in Mexico picked in the first round.
- The prospect played in Australia's NBL.
Still unconfirmed:
- Lopez is one of the world's top prospects and the future of Mexican basketball.
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Karim Lopez Targets History as First Mexican-Born NBA First-Round Pick
confidence 95%Karim Lopez is a 19-year-old forward from Hermosillo, Sonora, who has declared for the 2026 NBA Draft. He is projected to become the first Mexican-born player ever selected in the first round. The prospect recently played for the New Zealand Breakers in the National Basketball League.
What's confirmed:
- Karim Lopez was born on April 12, 2007, in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico.
- Lopez is projected to be the first Mexican-born player selected in the first round of the NBA Draft.
- The forward played for the New Zealand Breakers in the Australian National Basketball League.
- Lopez moved to Spain at age 14 to play for Joventut Badalona.
- His father, Jesus Hiram Lopez, played for the Mexico national basketball team.
Still unconfirmed:
- NBA experts back Lopez as a lottery pick.
- The Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, and Golden State Warriors are linked to the prospect.
- Lopez stands 6-foot-9.