Grizzlies' Karim López to begin NBA career with new jersey number

After previously wearing a couple of jersey numbers, Mexican center Karim López chose a new one to begin his career in the NBA with the Memphis Grizzlies. López wore No. 21 for two years with Joventut Badalona in Spain and while representing Mexico on the international level, most recently in the FI

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After previously wearing a couple of jersey numbers, Mexican center Karim López chose a new one to begin his career in the NBA with the Memphis Grizzlies.

López wore No. 21 for two years with Joventut Badalona in Spain and while representing Mexico on the international level, most recently in the FIBA AmeriCup 2025 qualifiers. He then switched to No. 1 for the last two years with the New Zealand Breakers in the NBL.

The 21st overall pick opted to wear No. 35 in the NBA, with both of his previous numbers already taken on the Grizzlies. He will become the sixth player in franchise history to wear it, and the first since Christian Koloko had it last season.

History. 🇲🇽➡️🐻 pic.twitter.com/SESq92GN3K
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) June 24, 2026

López averaged 11.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists,

1.2 steals and one block while shooting 49.4% from the field in 30 games last season with the Breakers. He became the first Mexican-born player to be selected in the first round of the draft.

The 19-year-old was limited to one appearance in summer league because of a hamstring strain suffered during the predraft process. While he was scoreless in his debut on July 16, he recorded four rebounds, two blocked shots and one steal, finishing a plus-12 in 11 minutes.

López further adds to the young core the Grizzlies have assembled, which includes the likes of Cedric Coward, Zach Edey, Jaylen Wells and Taylor Hendricks. Also included are fellow draftees Cameron Boozer (fourth pick) and Richie Saunders (32nd).

Throughout August, Rookie Wire is looking at every first-round pick and why each player selected their respective jersey number as they make the jump to the NBA