Karim López addresses 'late' NBA Draft selection: 'I'll show them they were wrong'

Karim López, the first Mexican player ever chosen in the first round of the NBA Draft, is channeling his draft-day disappointment into motivation. Selected 21st overall by the Detroit Pistons and subsequently traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, López had anticipated a higher selection, reportedly within the top 15 picks.

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It was a bit stressful, being there knowing I was expected to wait so long, but in the end, I couldn't control it. Many teams didn't pick me, and that's more motivation for me and makes me want to show them they were wrong.

Now with the Grizzlies, López is focused on proving his capabilities to his new team and silencing the critics who passed him over. "It was a bit stressful, being there knowing I was expected to wait so long, but in the end, I couldn't control it," López stated in a press conference. "Many teams didn't pick me, and that's more motivation for me and makes me want to show them they were wrong."

López mentioned several teams, including the Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks, and Los Angeles Lakers, as potential earlier selections. Despite the perceived "late" selection, he expressed excitement about his future with the Grizzlies, believing the team values him and offers a good environment for his development. "I'm excited to show the world what I believe I can do," he added.

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I'm excited to show the world what I believe I can do.

He acknowledged that the draft night was a dream come true, despite the anxious wait. "At the end of the day, I was lucky to end up with a team that I think values me, that is in a good position for the future, and that fits my playing style. We have a very good future and a lot of talent," López concluded.

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At the end of the day, I was lucky to end up with a team that I think values me, that is in a good position for the future, and that fits my playing style. We have a very good future and a lot of talent.