After a series of trade backs, Karim Lopez was finally selected 21st overall by the Grizzlies this summer. Lopez spent two seasons playing with the NBL's New Zealand Breakers but is still just 19 years old. Understandably, Lopez has plenty of room for development, but if there is one area that can help him earn playing time, it's his defense.
Unfortunately for Grizzlies fans, Karim Lopez played in just one game of Summer League due to a hamstring injury suffered before the draft. It was a very limited sample, but there was still plenty to like. In just 11 minutes of game action, Lopez didn't score but still found a way to make an impact. Despite not scoring, Lopez still managed to grab four rebounds and recorded two steals and a block.
Lopez plays with tenacity, especially on the glass, but it was an encouraging sight for Grizzlies fans to see how active he was on the defensive end. Despite his youth and the fact the Grizzlies have significantly overhauled their roster, Lopez could still have a path to playing time through his defense.
Defense can be Lopez's path to more minutes
From what I observed on the offensive end from Lopez in the NBL, it's clear that he's an intelligent connective piece. Lopez showed plenty of flashes as a playmaker and is a smart off-ball player, especially as a cutter. However, Lopez will still need plenty of work offensively, especially with becoming a consistent three-point shooter and showing more as an on-ball creator.
But still, despite room for growth on the offensive end, he can still be a very useful piece for the Grizzlies, even as a rookie. At 6 feet 8.25 inches and 222.5 pounds, Lopez brings plenty of size for a wing. Lopez has a strong affinity for creating deflections and seems capable of stringing together defensive stops early despite any athletic concerns.
The Grizzlies acquired Jerami Grant in the Ja Morant trade this offseason, and he will almost certainly be the starting small forward on opening night. But recent examples, such as Marcus Smart and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in Memphis, showed the competition for playing time isn't final, as both were beaten out for starting spots by Jaylen Wells and Cedric Coward.
While Lopez might not be as offensively ready yet, Lopez has a clear path to playing time thanks to his defensive upside. That isn't to say that Lopez will join the list of young Grizzlies players to force their way into the starting lineup, but if Lopez defends well early, he should see his minutes continue to skyrocket as the year goes on.
It's no secret that Cam Boozer should play a key role in helping the Grizzlies return to winning ways sooner. But don't be surprised if Lopez continues to flash defensive upside and forces his way into a bigger role throughout the season.
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