Karim Lopez, a top 20 player in the 2025 class and the No. 1 foreign player in the 2026 NBA Draft, announced Friday that he will join the New Zealand Breakers as part of the NBL’s Next Stars.
Lopez is a 6-foot-8, 195-pound wing considered “the future face of Mexican basketball and a potential lottery pick.” ESPN’s Adrian WojnarowskiHis overall traits make him an attractive candidate for the 2026 draft.
More importantly, Lopez is still just 17 and is expected to play the next two seasons in the NBL before becoming eligible for the 2026 NBA Draft.
What prompted the winger to choose the pro route over the collegiate option? We had a chance to speak with Lopez at Under Armour’s Next Elite 24 event in Brooklyn.
Background to the decision
“I’m really looking forward to going there,” Lopez said. “It was a hard decision between so many places, so many different programs, but I think it was the best decision for me because it’s a great place. [NBL’s] The Next Stars program looks great and has already proven itself with the No. 2 pick. [Alex Sarr].”
The Next Stars program has become a staple over the past few seasons, with many top high school recruits choosing to go pro rather than college in order to better prepare for the NBA.
Lopez was referring to Alex Sarr, who emerged as a hot international prospect last year and ultimately chose to join the Perth Wildcats as part of the NBL’s Next Stars program. He’s developed from there, solidifying himself as a top-three pick in the 2024 NBA Draft before joining the Washington Wizards with the No. 2 overall pick this offseason.
In addition to Sarr, the Next Stars program had two other players drafted during last offseason’s draft: AJ Johnson, who was selected 23rd overall by the Milwaukee Bucks, and Bobbi Klitman, who was selected 37th by the Detroit Pistons.
Prior to this year, the Next Stars program has had players such as LaMelo Ball, who was selected third overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, and Josh Giddey, who was selected sixth overall in the 2021 NBA Draft.
What Lopez brings to the court
Heading to New Zealand, Lopez brings an intriguing skillset to the table as a 6-foot-8 wing with playmaking ability due to his excellent ball-handling skills and strong two-way ability due to his versatility and athleticism.
He has a great feel for the overall game and can be a bit more aggressive at times, but his ability to handle the basketball and impressive shooting ability for his size make him a player with great potential down the line.
Defensively, Lopez is versatile, and his height and athleticism allow him to project power beyond his size and allow him to defend against guards.
Karim Lopez will play the next two years in the NBL with the New Zealand Breakers. The 6’8″ 17-year-old Mexican winger has gifted ball-handling and passing skills, good shooting and defensive versatility, excellent basketball instincts and a competitive spirit on both ends of the ball. https://t.co/NZDdUHtmJt pic.twitter.com/crQC3kJJvo
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) August 9, 2024
Lopez’s versatility was on display against some tough opponents this weekend in the Under Armour Next Elite 24, as he was able to play as a forward/center, be used as a roller in the pick-and-roll and play on both ends when needed.
“Versatility [is big for me]”The coach asked me to play number 5. [and] “I ended up playing as the No. 4. I ended up as the No. 5, so I said, ‘OK, let’s do it,’ and I think I made a winning play. I’m just happy I got to show all the scouts my versatility.”
Additionally, defensively, the wing was tasked with guarding the ball-handler and held his own against some of the best guards in the room, making plays at the rim and recording a nice block after a good recovery. On Friday, Lopez’s “Team Ice” won in a competitive environment during a scrimmage at the Under Armour Elite 24.
“I was just trying to prove that I can play winning basketball any time,” Lopez said. “I can play winning basketball, that’s it. And we won.”
Additionally, Lopez has been praised for his instinctive effort and athleticism on both ends of the court and should be able to quickly adapt to a professional capacity with the New Zealand Breakers.
But the Mexico native knows he must prove himself at that level first and is eager to earn playing time with his new team.
“I want to win on the court. Nothing’s set in stone,” Lopez said. “I want to play to win, which is what the coaching staff likes, and I want to mature my game. I’ve already played in the Olympic qualifiers, so I feel like I’m ready for that.” [professional environment].”
Representing the country
Lopez currently plays for Barcelona club Joventut Badalona, but is originally from Mexico City and has represented his country in FIBA Championships and Olympic qualifiers with the U-16 team.
Lopez flourished in the 2023 FIBA U-16 Americas Championship, averaging 20.5 points and 12.2 rebounds in six games.
This follows his performance at the 2022 CentroBasket U-15 Championship, where he appeared in five games for the national team and averaged 15.2 points and 9.8 rebounds.
Prospectively seen as the future face of Mexican basketball, the 6-foot-8 wing is highly regarded in his home country and takes pride in it.
“I always represent Mexico,” Lopez said, “so for me it’s a different feeling because I’m representing all 120 million people, so I feel pressure, but it’s good pressure.”
Now he’ll have a chance to continue that tradition on his next stop in New Zealand as part of the Next Stars program, with the NBA Draft within reach for the talented prospect.
