Karim Lopez Breakers Forward Declares for 2026 NBA Draft

Karim Lopez, an 18-year-old forward for the New Zealand Breakers, announced he is entering the 2026 NBA draft. He told ESPN, "It's been my dream and my goal my whole life to play in the NBA," and comes into the draft after averaging 11.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks in 31 games while shooting 50.2 percent overall and 32.6 percent from three. Mock drafts peg him around No. 12, and if he goes in the first round he would be the first Mexican-born first-rounder in NBA history. Merlin sees a player scouts like for modern lineups. Jonathan Wasserman compared Lopez to Franz Wagner, noting strength inside the arc, ball skills and flashes of playmaking that make him a versatile power forward. Beyond rankings, Lopez carries real international value and the potential to grow basketball in Mexico, even as the draft’s top end remains focused on three elite prospects.