Karim López makes history as first Mexican-born NBA first-round pick
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 24, 2026, 4:46 AM
Last updated Jun 24, 2026
Karim López was selected as the No. 21 overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2026 NBA Draft. This selection makes him the first Mexican-born player to be chosen in the first round of any NBA draft, a significant milestone for both López and Mexican basketball. Celebrating his heritage, López showcased a custom jacket lining featuring the Mexican flag. He has played the last two seasons with the New Zealand Breakers after moving from Spain, where he developed as a youth player. The Grizzlies general manager expressed optimism about López's potential impact within the team.
- •Karim López was drafted 21st overall by the Memphis Grizzlies.
- •He is the first Mexican-born player to be a first-round NBA pick.
- •López previously played for the New Zealand Breakers in the NBL.
- •He showcased Mexican culture during his draft celebration.
- •López's father played for the Mexican national basketball team.
- 4:46 AMYahoo Sports — Grizzlies' Karim López proud to make NBA draft history
- 4:34 AMYahoo Sports — ’Super Special’ — Grizzlies’ No. 21 Pick Karim López Gets Emotional After Making NBA History As First Mexican-Born First-Rounder
"The Memphis Grizzlies selected Karim López with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, but Tuesday night was about much more than basketball.
"Karim López, who played the past two seasons for the New Zealand Breakers in the NBL, was the Memphis Grizzlies' second first-round 2026 draft pick.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 24, 2026, 4:46 AMGrizzlies' Karim López proud to make NBA draft history
Karim López, who played the past two seasons for the New Zealand Breakers in the NBL, was the Memphis Grizzlies' second first-round 2026 draft pick.
- Yahoo SportsJun 24, 2026, 4:34 AM’Super Special’ — Grizzlies’ No. 21 Pick Karim López Gets Emotional After Making NBA History As First Mexican-Born First-Rounder
The Memphis Grizzlies selected Karim López with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, but Tuesday night was about much more than basketball.
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