Karim Lopez is a right-handed forward who defends very well. Lopez has played for the New Zealand Breakers in the NBL over the last two seasons, and while he is far from a complete prospect, his size, defensive impact, and ability to finish with strength are intriguing. He averaged 11.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 73.9% from the free throw line. At 6'8" with a 6'11.5" wingspan and a 222-pound frame, Lopez has positional NBA size if he can function as a small forward. If he proves to be more of a four, his size becomes less impressive relative to that pool. Lopez uses his off hand well and can finish through contact, but he does not appear shifty enough to self-create regularly in the NBA. He is presently labeled as a low-percentage shooter after making just 32.2% from three-point range, and that below-average shooting is one of the larger concerns in his profile. Defensively, Lopez made a significant impact. His DEFRTG was 5.2 points better than the New Zealand Breakers team DEFRTG. He has the size, strength, and defensive instincts to earn NBA minutes if the shooting comes around. Lopez is also just 19 years old, making him one of the youngest players in the draft, and he could become the first Mexico-born first-round pick. We worry some about his lack of burst and present shooting limitations, but his defensive reliability, youth, frame, and finishing strength give him a real pathway.
