As the 21st pick in the 2026 NBA draft, forward Karim López joins the Memphis Grizzlies after two seasons with the New Zealand Breakers of the National Basketball League.
López logged 58 total appearances across two seasons with the Breakers, averaging 10.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists and one block. In his first season, he became the youngest player in league history to register a double-double (17).
The 6-foot-8 López averaged 11.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.2 steals and one block while shooting 49.4% from the field last season. His 358 total points were the most ever by a draft-eligible player in the history of the "Next Stars" program.
López was highly touted entering the draft this year because of his defensive versatility,
rebounding and length, boasting a 6-foot, 11 1/2-inch wingspan. He also took a leap last season on offense, showing improvement as a shooter, finisher and ballhandler.
The Mexican native 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 September, Rookie Wire is compiling some of the most interesting facts about each first-round pick in an effort to further introduce the incoming draft class ahead of the 2026-27 season
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Jesús Hiram López
López is the son of former Mexican national basketball team member Jesús Hiram López, who played professionally in Mexico. He has been around the game most of his life and has credited his father with shaping who he is today, both as a person and as a player.
Spain
Born in Hermosillo, López left Mexico at 14 to play for Joventut Badalona’s youth academy in Spain, where he stayed until signing with the Breakers. He was briefly promoted to the senior team during the 2023-24 season, logging four appearances.
National Team
López has represented Mexico internationally in four different tournaments, including two with the senior team. He last suited up in the FIBA AmeriCup 2025 qualifiers, averaging 6.2 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists in six appearances.
NBA Draft
When the Grizzlies selected López, the 19-year-old became the first Mexican-born player selected in the first round of the NBA draft. He is just the second player from Mexico to be drafted, joining Eduardo Nájera, who was the 38th overall pick in 2000.
LeBron James
López grew up watching LeBron James and has called the future Hall of Famer his basketball idol. He told ESPN last September that he hoped James would still be playing when he entered the NBA so he could share a court with him. He'll get his first chance to face James when the Grizzlies are in Philadelphia on Dec. 1.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: 5 fun facts: Get to know Grizzlies' Karim López before rookie season
