March Madness is underway and today’s college stars have a chance to cement themselves in this summer’s NBA draft class. But one international prospect not in the tournament already has caught the eye of many scouts — Mexico’s Karim Lopez.
The forward is expected to go in the first round. Here’s how USA TODAY currently projects his draft night will play out.
Karim Lopez 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 17 overall, Oklahoma City Thunder
All picks based on Tankathon lottery projection
Kalbrosky’s Analysis:
The Thunder have drafted several players from Australias NBL, including Josh Giddey. They could dip into this well again by selecting Karim Lopez with their pick from the Los Angeles Clippers. While the Mexican-born forward still needs some development, the physically gifted forward is widely seen as the top prospect from this class currently playing overseas. He exploded for 32 points (11-of-13 FG) with eight rebounds, two blocks and one steal against Melbourne on Jan. 30. Even if he is a draft-and-stash player, that is ideal for a team with a rotation as crowded as the Thunder.
See USA TODAY’s full mock draft here
Karim Lopez player profile
(all stats as of March 15)
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Current Team: International (Australia)
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50.2% field goal percentage
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32.6% three-point field goal percentage
Oklahoma City Thunder 2026 projected draft picks
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No. 15 (via LAC), No. 16 (via PHI) and No. 36 (via DAL)
All picks based on Tankathon lottery projection
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Karim Lopez NBA mock draft projection: Where International (Australia) star is expected to land
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