Karim Lopez: Predicted Landing in NBA Mock Draft 2023
March Madness is underway and college stars are grabbing attention. One international name has stood out to scouts. Mexico’s Karim Lopez has become a focal point for NBA evaluators.
Mock-draft projection
Filmogaz.com currently projects Lopez to go in the first round. The projection lists him at No. 17 overall to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Those draft positions follow a Tankathon lottery projection.
Why the Thunder might pick him
Analyst Kalbrosky notes the Thunder’s history with Australia’s NBL. Oklahoma City previously drafted Josh Giddey from that league. The team could again target NBL talent with a pick acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers.
Lopez is described as physically gifted but still developing. He is widely viewed as the top prospect from this overseas class. A draft-and-stash approach could suit a team with a crowded rotation.
Notable performance
Lopez produced a standout outing on Jan. 30. He scored 32 points on 11-of-13 shooting against Melbourne. He also had eight rebounds, two blocks and one steal in that game.
Player profile (stats as of March 15)
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Position | Forward |
| Current team | International (Australia) |
| Points per game | 11.9 |
| Rebounds per game | 6.1 |
| Assists per game | 2.0 |
| Field goal percentage | 50.2% |
| Three-point percentage | 32.6% |
Oklahoma City draft assets
Filmogaz.com lists several projected Thunder picks for 2026. Those picks include No. 15 (via LAC), No. 16 (via PHI) and No. 36 (via DAL). All are shown under the same Tankathon projection.
Online discussions have used tags such as “Karim Lopez: Predicted Landing in NBA Mock Draft 2023” when tracking his status. For Filmogaz.com’s full mock-draft coverage, see the site’s draft section.
