Karim López was selected Tuesday with the 21st overall pick by the Detroit Pistons, becoming the first player born in Mexico to be selected in the first round of the NBA draft.
López left at age 14 to play for Joventut de Badalona, played for several Catalan teams, and spent his most recent season with the New Zealand Breakers. He averaged 11.9 points and 6.1 rebounds and shot 49% from the field with the Breakers. López will join the Detroit Pistons, who were eliminated in the Eastern Conference semifinals last season.
“My decision came later than I expected; it’s been a little strange.”
Karim López, the first Mexican-born player to be selected in the first round of the NBA draft, said Tuesday that Adam Silver called his name “a little later than he expected.”
There was also a last-minute trade from the Pistons to the Grizzlies.
“It’s a blessing. The number doesn’t matter; it’s a little later than I and everyone around me expected, but it’s out of my hands.”
“I’m going to do my best. I’m approaching this new challenge with great excitement and feeling blessed.”
López told the media after being selected in the draft.
Karim López averaged 11.9 points
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He begins his NBA journey
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With his selection at No. 21, Karim López became the first player born in Mexico to be selected in the first round of the NBA draft.
The Detroit Pistons traded the player’s rights to the Memphis Grizzlies.
“It was a little strange. First I thought I’d be with one team, then I was with another in a matter of seconds… but I’m happy.”
“No matter which team it was, it would have been the right one, so I’m happy,” added the Mexican.
“It’s a team that plays similarly to the team I came from—one that appreciates players who play hard and with passion.”
“They give 110% and do everything they can to win and for the team, so I think I’m one of those players,” López added.
With information from EFE
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