The Memphis Grizzlies secured the biggest Mexican prospect ever in this week's NBA Draft. Karim Lopez, born in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, made history becoming the first Mexican-born player in NBA history to be selected in the first round of the Draft.
Lopez was selected by the Detroit Pistons with the 21st pick and his pick was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, who also secured No. 4 overall pick Cameron Boozer from Duke University.
From New Zealand to the Draft
Lopez spent the last two seasons with the New Zealand Breakers in the NBL, where he was part of the Next Stars Program and showcased his projection, securing an Ignite Cup Championship in his final season with the organization. He also scored a career-high 32 points with a few weeks to go in the season, which secured his position in the first round of the NBA Draft.
In Chicago a few weeks ago, he impressed at the NBA Draft Combine and interviewed with over 12 different organizations — and it ended up being the Memphis Grizzlies who opted to take a chance on the Mexican.
Lopez is also part of the Mexican National Team, where he is the youngest player ever to play in the squad at 16 years old — one year after making his pro debut in the Spanish League with Joventut Badalona.
Mexico's Seventh NBA Player
Now, at 19, he's become the seventh NBA player out of Mexico in history, joining Horacio Llamas, Gustavo Ayon, Eduardo Najera, Jorge Gutierrez, Juan Toscano Anderson and Jaime Jaquez Jr. Lopez, however, is the best prospect out of the seven, and it shouldn't surprise us if, alongside Cameron Boozer, he turns the Grizzlies' future around — especially after Memphis had a tough season which featured the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade to the Utah Jazz and issues around Ja Morant.
A Tough Season in Memphis
Memphis finished the season as the second-worst team in the Western Conference with a 25-57 record.
