Kevin Garnett Says Karim López Was ‘Really Big Pickup’ for Memphis Grizzlies
· Yahoo Sports
Although No. 3 overall pick Cameron Boozer stole headlines as the Memphis Grizzlies' top selection in the 2026 NBA Draft, he wasn't the only player the team picked up in the first round.
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The Grizzlies also landed No. 21 overall pick Karim López, an international prospect who spent the 2025-26 season in New Zealand.
NBA legend Kevin Garnett thinks the Mexico native was a really strong pickup for Memphis.
Kevin Garnett on the 2026 NBA Draft class and Memphis Grizzlies 21st overall draft pick Karim López:
— Intuitive Hoops (@IntuitiveHoops) July 10, 2026
“I think the López kid that went to Memphis I think was a really really really big pick up.” pic.twitter.com/CIVJ2s1eUF
López averaged 11.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.2 "stocks" per game in the 2025-26 season, per Basketball Reference. He shot 50.2 percent from the field and 32.6 percent from beyond the arc.
The forward is a good, physical driver with plus size and athleticism, making him a potential threat on both ends of the floor. If he can improve his 3-point shot, his ceiling will increase. As it stands now, he is an exciting prospect for the Grizzlies, especially since he's just 19 years old.
López unfortunately missed all of Salt Lake City Summer League and is sidelined again on Friday as the team continues Summer League play in Las Vegas, but hopefully, he will be back in action on Monday when the group takes the floor again.
Next Grizzlies game is in three days. Hopefully we see Karim López on Monday vs the Mavericks considering he’s “day to day”. https://t.co/n5VU2mmlNW
— Eddie Perez (@CreateHoops) July 10, 2026
In addition to Boozer and López, the Grizzlies also landed BYU product Richie Saunders in the 2026 NBA Draft at No. 32 overall. Saunders, who is also injured, hasn't seen any Summer League action himself, but Boozer has certainly looked the part in Salt Lake City and Las Vegas.
The new franchise cornerstone appeared in two games in Salt Lake City. In the first one, he had 15 points, four rebounds and four assists, and in the next one, he had 18 points, seven rebounds and four assists. He was very efficient in both games, and as of this writing, he is working on another efficient game in his squad's Las Vegas opener.
The Grizzlies are certainly entering a new era after trading away star guard Ja Morant, and the players they added in the 2026 NBA Draft are going to have a chance to cement themselves as key pieces moving forward.
It's unclear what López's role will look like in his rookie season, but the fact that Garnett is high on him is a fantastic compliment. It isn't every day that a 19-year-old earns a nod from a Hall of Famer.
The future seems bright for the Grizzlies as they look to turn a corner on their recent struggles.
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