Hoop DossierKarim Lopez
Memphis Grizzlies · Forward · 6′8″ 222 lb · age 19 · Mexico · 1st season
Season averages appear after his first game (Tonight).
Availability
Tonight @ UTADay-to-day via ESPN injury table ·
Lineups not confirmed yet
Recent changes
- Oct 25AvailabilityOut
What's being said
9 items · 3 sources this season- ESPN ESPN · Report ·
Out, right knee bruise, return est. Oct 26
- Podcast The Athletic NBA Daily host · Analysis · around the league
Derek Parker doesn't expect Karim Lopez to be a star in year one. He says the Grizzlies can bring him along, teaching him rebounding and trench work.
“BIG NBA Questions: Slam N Jam LIVE!” at 48:39 · listen ↗
- Podcast DeMichael Cole (reported), via Locked On Grizzlies · Relayed report ·
DeMichael says Karim Lopez looks the part physically, but everything he has heard says the 19-year-old is not ready for top defensive assignments yet.
“Memphis Grizzlies 2026-2027 NBA season begins - player award preview and final record prediction” at 26:35 · listen ↗
also reported by Joe Mullinax, Locked On Grizzlies
- Podcast Locked On Grizzlies · 6 points ·
- Karim Lopez is a Mexican-born first-round pick who spent last season playing professionally in New Zealand's NBL. at 25:17
- Karim Lopez (quoted): Karim Lopez, quoted on adjusting to the NBA: he is trying to get a feel for the game and learn his teammates, and called it the fastest league in the world. at 26:47
- Karim Lopez is 19 and has lived in four countries: Mexico, Spain, New Zealand and now the US, his first time living there. He says it's cool so far. at 28:23
- Scotty Pippen Jr. and teammates (reported): Teammates say Karim Lopez is still young. Scotty Pippen Jr said he is young but doing good things. Per the host, praise usually centers on his physicality on defense. at 27:24
- Tuomas Iisalo uses the term "paralysis by analysis" for players who overthink and can't play fast. The host says this is expected in many rookies, but Cameron Boozer is an exception. He expects Lopez's path to be slow early, with the game slowing down over time. at 27:38
- Host opinion: the G League is the best route for Karim Lopez, and he doesn't expect a big early impact. He notes the Grizzlies run a very similar system in the G League. Whether the team takes that route is unresolved. at 29:16
“Can Memphis Grizzlies surprise doubters” · listen ↗
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