The Grizzlies demolished the Hawks 96-64 to earn their spot in the Summer League semifinals. It was a strong display for Cam Boozer and Cedric Coward, but Karim Lopez just finally made his long-awaited Summer League debut. While he didn't play significant minutes, he already showed why he's a project worth being excited about for the Grizzlies.
Karim Lopez was selected 21st overall after Kleiman made multiple trades back from #16. The pick drew mixed reactions, and I even had some early reservations about it, mainly surrounding how raw his offensive game is. Lopez spent two seasons with the New Zealand Breakers in the NBL and is still just 19 years old.
Lopez had not been able to play this summer due to a hamstring injury suffered during the pre-draft process. However, Karim Lopez's Summer League debut shows the type of player he could eventually become in Memphis. Karim Lopez did not score at all and only attempted one shot in 11 minutes, but he still found multiple ways to make an impact.
Lopez looked great as a defender and rebounder
Despite not scoring, Karim Lopez still was a +12 during his minutes. It was a short sample size, but Lopez's handle is going to take significant work. Despite that, he still looked like a solid connective piece on offense with his passing and smart off-ball movement. However, arguably the most exciting part for the Grizzlies was the defensive activity that he showed.
Listed at 6 feet 8.25 inches and 222 pounds, the size of Lopez really stood out on the court. Lopez was everywhere defensively, and it didn't take him long to generate plenty of deflections. Lopez ended the game with a steal and two blocks and arguably should've had another block that was instead called a foul.
It was also clear before the draft how tenacious Lopez was as a rebounder, and he looked comfortable on that end too, grabbing four rebounds. Understandably, just returning from injury, Lopez didn't play a heavy minute load, but it is clear that he fits the gritty style of basketball the Grizzlies want to play.
Lopez's development will be very interesting to watch
The offense will be a work in progress, especially when it comes to his three-point shot and on-ball creation, but Karim Lopez's hustle as a rebounder and defender should give him an eventual path to featuring more in the rotation.
Karim Lopez may not have a huge role early into the season, but his debut is a very promising sign for the Grizzlies. The Grizzlies clearly have a promising franchise piece in Cam Boozer from this draft; however, Karim Lopez is already showing early signs that he's a project player worth believing in.
It wouldn't be surprising to look back in a few years and realize that Karim Lopez is one of the steals of what should be a strong 2026 NBA Draft.
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