Karim Lopez
Lopez is the most promising of the international prospects. The 19-year-old Mexican native is projected to be a lottery selection, though it is conceivable he could drop to the late teens due to his athleticism, length, and pro experience.
Lopez has spent the last two years playing in the Australian NBL for New Zealand. Lopez made considerable strides, averaging 11.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 blocks in 30 appearances. His biggest improvement was in efficiency as he shot 49.4% from the field and 32.2% from the 3-point line while nearly one in three a game. He produced two double-doubles and scored in double figures 19 times, tallying a career-high 32 points against Melbourne United at the end of January.
Lopez is a smart, athletic, physical 6-8 forward with a 6-11.5 wingspan and weighs 222 pounds. Lopez is at his best when getting to the rim, whether on drives or moving off the ball. He does a good job seeking and finishing through contact, though his perimeter shooting is a weakness. Defensively, he has a lot of work to do, with versatility and the ability to make plays as his biggest assets.
Lopez has worked out for Brooklyn and Chicago. His best comps at this point are a less athletic Carter Bryant and Taylor Hendricks.
