The NBA is truly a worldwide league, boasting 135 international players from 43 countries at the beginning of the 2025-2026 season (NBA News, 10/22/25). So, as well as evaluating US college and G League prospects, team scouts also have the daunting task of crisscrossing the globe for new talent. Is there another Luka Doncic making his name with Real Madrid? Another Giannis bending rims in the shadow of the Acropolis? Another Wemby towering over the Arc de Triomphe?
For the Utah Jazz, who only (only!)
have the second pick in the entire draft, is it worth trading some of their assets for the chance to land the next big continental phenom? Let’s take a look at some of the worldwide talent on offer and you can decide for yourself. ‘
Karim Lopez is the undisputed top international prospect in this year’s draft. The 6’8” Mexican born wing is currently playing down under with the New Zealand Breakers. Watching his highlights, you see a player who can do a little bit of everything: ball handling, three-point shooting, creating his own shot, setting up teammates, driving to the basket. His size, athleticism and quick hands also provide glimpses of his potential on the defensive end. But as he is expected to be drafted between 11 and 14 on most draft boards, it would be a huge stretch for the Jazz to shell out enough player and future draft capital to acquire him.
Not to worry though. If you can’t afford a Cadillac, perhaps there’s a sporty mid-size sedan in the Jazz’s price range. Or perhaps in the case of this next player, a stretch limo. Standing 7’3” with a 7’5” wingspan, weighing in as a 289 lb Heavyweight, and optimistically referred to by one pundit as “The Italian Wemby” (whoa there, fella), Luigi Suigo is projected to be picked anywhere from the late first round to the early- to mid-second round. Watching his highlights, it’s easy to see why NBA scouts would be intrigued by this towering Goliath. He dominates the paint, easily putting back misses by his teammates. But he can also step back beyond the arc and hit threes, though his three-point percentage needs improvement. The capital needed to take a flyer on Suigo could be a lot less, especially if he drops into the second round. And it’s enticing to think of him as a backup rim protector to Walker Kessler.
Jack Kayil, a 6’5”, 185 lb German point guard is projected to be picked between 37-40 or per some analysts will remain undrafted. Playing for ALBA in Berlin during the 2025-2026 season, he averaged 11.7 points, 3.7 assists and 2.9 rebounds, while shooting just over 34% from three. His handle is reminiscent of Keyonte George and he could be a promising backup guard, especially if the Jazz don’t select Darryn Peterson with the second pick. Kayil is currently committed to Gonzaga, but that could change if there is more interest from NBA teams.
The Jazz, of course, may be completely happy with just taking the second pick and keeping their future draft capital and current players intact. There’s nothing wrong with that, especially considering that the 2027 NBA draft will likely have more intriguing international prospects: Dash Daniels, an elite defender with Melbourne United, whose brother, Dyson Daniels, had a breakout season with the Hawks; Miikka Muurinen, Lauri Markkanen’s Finnish national team sidekick, who will have completed a year with the University of Arkansas; and Sergio de Larrea, a 6’5”, 175 lb shooting guard from Spain, a three-point marksman with a high basketball IQ, who reminds me of Austin Reaves. But my suspicion is that Austin Ainge and the rest of Jazz management are keeping their options open, both here and overseas, as they try to create an edge in their quest to get back to the post season.
