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Karim Lopez has capped his NBL Next Stars journey by achieving his NBA dream at the 2026 NBA Draft.

24 Jun
NBL.com.au

NBL Next Star Karim Lopez is set to realise his NBA dream, after being selected with the 21st overall pick at the 2026 NBA Draft.

Having represented the New Zealand Breakers for the past two seasons, the Mexican-born young gun will represent the Memphis Grizzlies, following a reported trade via Detroit.

Lopez, 19, was highly rated going into the Draft, having taken on seasoned professional players in the NBL.

He averaged 11.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.2 steals a game during the Hungry Jack’s NBL26 Season, making him the highest-scoring draft-eligible Next Star in the program’s history.

“It’s super special to be here," Lopez said following the Draft.

“I’m blessed … I have no words.

“I wanted to represent my country. Represent where I’m from. Represent my faith, and represent myself and show the people who I am.”

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