Grizzlies’ Karim Lopez Reacts to Making NBA History on Draft Night
Karim Lopez made NBA history on Tuesday night by becoming the first Mexico-born player to be selected in the first round of the NBA draft after the Memphis Grizzlies chose him with the 21st overall selection.
It was a historical moment that had Lopez expressing his gratitude and excitement for the opportunity ahead with the Grizzlies.
“It means a lot to me,” Lopez said via ESPN. “It’s just a great opportunity for me and my country to have this platform and have this opportunity. So super blessed and definitely take it with a lot of pride.”
Heading into the draft, Lopez was ranked as the 14th-best prospect in his draft class after spending two seasons with the New Zealand Breakers in the Australian NBL. He’s coming off averaging 11.9 points and 6.1 rebounds while shooting 49 percent from the floor in 25.6 minutes per game.
Before signing with the Breakers in 2024, he had moved to Spain at 14 years to play for the Spanish club Joventut Badalona.
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The 19-year-old joins a short list of Mexico-born players drafted, as the only other player was Eduardo Najera, who was selected by the Houston Rockets with the 38th overall pick in the 2000 NBA Draft, then traded to the Dallas Mavericks.
Lopez will have plenty of opportunity to develop and earn playing time in Memphis, which is in full rebuild mode, especially after trading All-Star big man Jaren Jackson Jr. last season. The Grizzlies are coming off a 25-57 record.
