Mexican center Karim López is officially kicking off his NBA career with the Memphis Grizzlies sporting a brand-new jersey number, signaling a fresh start for the 21st overall pick. After lighting up courts globally, López has settled on No. 35 as he makes the leap to the big league, a decision driven by circumstance but loaded with potential for the Grizzlies’ future.
From International Star to NBA Rookie: The Number Game
López is no stranger to making a statement with his number. For two years, he dominated in Spain with Joventut Badalona and represented Mexico internationally in events like the FIBA AmeriCup 2025 qualifiers, all while wearing No. 21. Then, he transitioned to No. 1 for his two seasons with the New Zealand Breakers in the NBL, showcasing his versatility. Now, as he joins the Grizzlies, both his familiar No. 1 and No. 21 were already snatched up. This led López, the 19-year-old phenom, to choose No. 35. He’ll be just the sixth player in franchise history to wear that number, and the first since Christian Koloko rocked it last season. It’s a clean slate, a chance to forge his own legacy with a new identity.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Why López Is a Force to Watch
Don’t let the jersey number switch distract you from the talent López brings. This kid is the first Mexican-born player ever selected in the first round of the NBA Draft, a monumental achievement in itself. During his last season with the New Zealand Breakers, he put up some serious stats across 30 games: averaging 11.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.2 steals, and a block per game, all while shooting an efficient 49.4% from the field. Talk about making an impact! His Summer League debut on July 16 was cut short due to a hamstring strain suffered during the predraft process, limiting him to just one appearance. He may have been scoreless in those 11 minutes, but he still grabbed four rebounds, swatted away two shots, and snagged a steal, finishing with an impressive plus-12 rating. That’s hustle, even when not 100%.
Building the Future: López Joins a Dynamic Young Core
López isn’t just a solo act; he’s stepping into a dynamic young core that the Grizzlies have been carefully building. He’ll be joining exciting talents like Cedric Coward, Zach Edey, Jaylen Wells, and Taylor Hendricks, alongside fellow draftees Cameron Boozer, picked fourth overall, and Richie Saunders, the 32nd selection. The Grizzlies are clearly committed to developing their next generation of stars, and López’s potential to contribute on both ends of the floor makes him a crucial piece of that puzzle. Expect him to push for minutes and bring that international intensity every time he steps onto the court.
The regular season is right around the corner, and López, now donning No. 35, is poised to show why he was a first-round pick. Keep an eye on this kid, because he’s got the skills and the drive to make a real splash for the Grizzlies.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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