​Cameron Boozer, the No. 3 overall pick, grabbed most of the headlines as the Memphis Grizzlies’ top choice in the 2026 NBA Draft. Yet Boozer wasn’t the only first-round addition for Memphis. The Grizzlies also selected No. 21 overall Karim López, an international prospect who spent the 2025-26 season in New Zealand. NBA legend Kevin Garnett has praised López, calling him a strong pick for the Grizzlies and highlighting the potential value of a young, international talent in a franchise eager to redefine its arc.
According to Basketball Reference, López averaged 11.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 2.2 stocks per game during the 2025-26 season, while posting a field goal percentage of 50.2% and a 3-point percentage of 32.6%. The forward combines physicality with good size and athleticism, presenting a credible two-way threat as he develops. If López can improve his 3-point shooting, his ceiling could rise significantly. At just 19 years old, he already represents an intriguing prospect for Memphis and a potential long-term contributor.
López, however, has faced health setbacks, missing all of the Salt Lake City Summer League and, as of Friday, was sidelined again as Memphis continued Summer League play in Las Vegas. The team remains hopeful he’ll return to action on Monday when the summer action resumes. In the meantime, Boozer and fellow rookie Richie Saunders have been among those drawing attention in the early sessions.
Saunders, a BYU product drafted at No. 32 overall, has also dealt with injuries and has not appeared in Summer League play yet. Boozer, by contrast, has looked the part in both Salt Lake City and Las Vegas, delivering strong showings in his two appearances in Utah. In the first game, Boozer posted 15 points, four rebounds, and four assists; in the second, he tallied 18 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. His efficiency has been a bright spot, and the Grizzlies’ Las Vegas opener has continued to showcase his potential as a cornerstone piece for the franchise’s evolving roster.
The Grizzlies find themselves entering a new era after trading away star guard Ja Morant, with the 2026 NBA Draft class positioned to help shape the team’s next chapter. While López’s exact role in his rookie season remains to be seen, Garnett’s endorsement adds a notable vote of confidence from a Hall of Fame icon. A 19-year-old earning such high praise is rare, and it underlines the optimism surrounding Memphis’ long-term prospects.
Beyond the on-court developments, the Grizzlies Roundtable community continues to grow, offering fans a place to discuss all things Grizzlies. If you’re looking to join the conversation, you can click the “Join” button at the top of the page to become part of the community for free. The team’s draft strategy and the early impressions from Boozer, López, and Saunders signal a sunny outlook as Memphis aims to turn the page on recent struggles and build a competitive, cohesive core for the years ahead.