NBA prospect Karim Lopez could become first Mexican-born first-round pick in NBA Draft
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NEW YORK — Karim Lopez, a rising basketball prospect born in Mexico, officially declared for the 2026 NBA Draft on March 23, positioning himself to become the first Mexican-born player ever selected in the draft’s opening round.
Lopez announced his decision Monday, ending months of speculation about whether he would turn professional this year. League scouts have projected the 20-year-old as a potential lottery selection, a status that would secure his place in Mexican basketball history.
Mexico has produced NBA players in the past, but none has cracked the first round. Lopez’s anticipated draft slot would mark a milestone for a country eager to expand its presence on the sport’s biggest stage.
The 2026 NBA Draft is scheduled for June, giving teams just over three months to evaluate Lopez before making their selections.
Source: New York Post
