2026 NBA Draft Profile

Overview 
Born in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, to a father who played for the Mexican national team, Karim López grew up in Mexico before heading to Spain at the age of 14 to play professionally. After mainly playing for Joventut Badalona’s youth team in Spain, the 6-foot-8 forward headed to New Zealand, where he spent two years and most recently appeared in 30 outings for the New Zealand Breakers in 2025-26. He averaged 11.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks in 25.6 minutes per showing for the Breakers last season. The 19-year-old is now projected to be the first Mexican-born player selected in the first round of the NBA Draft.

Analysis 
López is a physical downhill driver who gets to the rim and finishes with authority. While he’s most effective inside the arc, continued development as a three-point shooter could take his game to the next level. The forward’s combination of size, length and high-level athleticism also gives him strong defensive potential, as he can protect the rim, generate steals and guard multiple positions. Though the 19-year-old still has room to grow, he already possesses professional experience and the athleticism to make an impact at the NBA level.

Projection
López is a gifted athlete who could carve out a meaningful role early in his career thanks to his elite athleticism, physicality and defensive versatility. He has already spent time playing professionally overseas and will look to improve his outside shot and ballhandling in the Association. López’s blend of athleticism and defensive versatility draws comparisons to Aaron Gordon. 

Career Highlights

• Played two seasons with the New Zealand Breakers as part of the Australian NBL’s Next Stars program.
• At 17, became the youngest player in NBL history to record a double-double (13 points, 10 rebounds against Sydney on Oct. 27, 2024).
• Began his pro career in Spain with Joventut Badalona, appearing with the junior, second and senior (ACB) teams.
• Made his debut with the Mexican Senior National Team at 17.

2025-26

• Averaged 11.9 points and 6.1 rebounds in his second NBL season.
• Only NBL player to average at least 6.0 rebounds, 1.0 blocks and 1.0 steals while committing fewer than 2.0 turnovers.
• Tied the NBL Next Stars draft-eligible mark for combined steals and blocks in a season (66).
• Scored a career-high 32 points, including 19 in the fourth quarter, in a two-point win vs. Melbourne United (Jan. 30).

Strengths

• Long, skilled forward who plays a physical style.
• Excels as a driver and cutter; finishes through contact.
• Connective offensive player; good feel for spacing.
• Tough, versatile defender with a high motor.

Personal

• Left Mexico at 14 for Joventut Badalona’s youth academy.
• Son of former Mexican National Team member Jesús Hiram López, who played professionally in Mexico.
• Has a chance to become the first Mexican-born player selected in the first round of the NBA Draft.
• Favorite NBA player is LeBron James.

Go Figure
López scored 358 points in 2025-26, the most ever by a draft-eligible player in the history of the NBL Next Stars program, surpassing previous lottery picks LaMelo Ball, Josh Giddey and Alex Sarr.

Quotable
“He’s a special talent and special guy. Everything comes down to are you ready to put in the work, and this guy is ready. He always wants to work, and sometimes we have to calm him down to take some rest.”
— New Zealand Breakers head coach Petteri Koponen

— Profile by RotoWire.com with additional info from the official NBA Draft Media Guide