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Next Star Karim Lopez's top plays for NZ in '24-25

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basketball.com.au

Next Star Karim Lopez's top plays for NZ in '24-25
Next Star Karim Lopez's top plays for NZ in '24-25

NBL Next Star Karim Lopez will only get better in NBL26

  • Mexican Karim Lopez is averaging almost 10 points and five rebounds per game
  • Lopez is an NBL Next Star
  • He is a projected NBA Draft Lottery pick in 2026

It's easy to forget Karim Lopez is just 17 years old. Yes, 17.

Lopez joined the New Zealand Breakers with high expectations as an NBL Next Star and he's delivered.

As a young talent, he was seen as a player with significant potential to contribute to the team's frontcourt. The 2024-25 season presented Lopez with the opportunity to prove his worth and establish himself as a key player in the NBL on his way to being a 2026 NBA Draft pick.

Karim Lopez of the New Zealand Breakers attempts a slam dunk during the round 18 NBL match between New Zealand Breakers and Brisbane Bullets at Wolfbrook Arena on January 24, 2025, in Christchurch, New Zealand. Photo: Joe Allison/Getty Images

Statistical Overview

Lopez's 2024-25 season averages paint a picture of a player who has become an important contributor to his team:

  • Points per game: 9.7
  • Rebounds per game: 4.7
  • Assists per game: 1.1
  • Field goal percentage: 48%
  • Free throw percentage: 74%

These numbers, while not eye-popping, suggest a solid role player who efficiently contributes in multiple facets of the game. However, to truly understand Lopez's impact and development, we need to look deeper into his game-by-game performance and how he has progressed throughout the season.

Early Season Struggles and Adjustment

Lopez's start to the 2024 season was marked by inconsistency. In the first few games, his minutes fluctuated significantly, ranging from as low as eight minutes to as high as 31 minutes per game. This inconsistency in playing time likely contributed to variable performances.

For instance, on September 8th, 2024 Lopez played 18 minutes and contributed seven points on 67% shooting, along with two rebounds and two assists. However, just three days later, on September 11th, 2024 he played only eight minutes and scored just one point. These early games highlighted the challenges Lopez faced in finding his rhythm and role within the team.

Karim Lopez of the Breakers rises up over Kendric Davis of the 36ers during the round 18 NBL match between Adelaide 36ers and New Zealand Breakers at Adelaide Entertainment Centre, on January 26, 2025, in Adelaide. Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images

The Turning Point

A significant turning point for Lopez came on October 27th, 2024. In this game, he played 31 minutes and showcased his potential with a stellar performance:

  • 13 points
  • 10 rebounds
  • 2 blocks
  • 56% field goal percentage

This game seemed to be a catalyst for Lopez, demonstrating to both himself and the coaching staff that he was capable of being a major contributor when given extended minutes.

Consistency and Growth

Following his breakout performance, Lopez's playing time became more consistent, typically ranging between 20-30 minutes per game. This regularity allowed him to develop a rhythm and showcase his skills more effectively.

November proved to be a strong month for Lopez. On November 4th, 2024 he had his best game of the season:

  • 17 points
  • 10 rebounds
  • 4 blocks
  • 3 assists
  • 60% field goal percentage

This performance highlighted Lopez's ability to impact the game in multiple ways, not just as a scorer but also as a rebounder and rim protector.

Karim Lopez of the Breakers warms up during the round 10 NBL match between Perth Wildcats and New Zealand Breakers at RAC Arena on December 01, 2024, in Perth. Photo: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Offensive Efficiency

One of the most impressive aspects of Lopez's game has been his shooting efficiency. His 48% field goal percentage for the season is rock solid, especially for a player who is still developing. There have been several games where Lopez has shown exceptional shooting touch:

  • December 14th: 71% FG
  • December 20th: 57% FG
  • January 11th: 56% FG

These efficient shooting nights demonstrate Lopez's ability to select high-percentage shots and finish effectively around the rim.

Defensive Contributions

While offensive statistics often grab headlines, Lopez's defensive contributions have been equally important. Throughout the season, he has shown the ability to be a deterrent at the rim:

  • 0.9 blocks per game
  • 0.7 steals per game

These numbers, while not league-leading, indicate that Lopez is developing into a solid defensive presence for the Breakers. His best defensive performance came on November 4th, where he recorded 4 blocks in a single game.

Karim Lopez of the New Zealand Breakers shoots the ball during the round nine NBL match between Cairns Taipans and New Zealand Breakers at Cairns Convention Centre on November 16, 2024, in Cairns. Photo: Emily Barker/Getty Images

Areas for Growth

Despite his progress, there are still areas where Lopez growth will continue:

  1. Age: As trite as that seems, Lopez will only get better with age. He's going to be an absolute star as he accumulates more experience.
  2. Consistency: While Lopez has shown flashes of brilliance, there have been games where his impact has been minimal. Developing more consistency in his performances will be crucial for his continued growth.
  3. Free throw shooting: Although his 74% free throw percentage is respectable, improving in this area could significantly boost his scoring average.
  4. Passing: With 1.1 assists per game, there's room for Lopez to develop his playmaking skills, particularly in finding open teammates when defenses collapse on him.
  5. Foul trouble: Lopez averages 2.9 fouls per game, which can sometimes limit his playing time. Learning to defend without fouling will be important for maximising his on-court impact.

Impact on the New Zealand Breakers

Lopez's development has been a bright spot for the New Zealand Breakers. As a young player showing significant improvement, he represents hope for the future of the franchise heading into NBL26.

His ability to contribute in multiple areas — scoring, rebounding, and defense — makes him a versatile asset that has NBA scouts taking notice.

Moreover, Lopez's efficiency is particularly valuable in the modern game where analytics play a crucial role. His high field goal percentage and ability to protect the rim without fouling excessively align well with contemporary basketball strategies.

Karim Lopez's 2024 season with the New Zealand Breakers serves as an excellent case study for the NBL Next Stars program. From early inconsistencies to becoming a reliable contributor, Lopez's journey highlights the importance of opportunity, consistent playing time, and gradual skill improvement in a young player's career.

The 2024 season may well be remembered as the year Karim Lopez announced himself as a player to watch in the NBL.

As he enters future seasons, expectations will be high, but if his development curve continues on its current trajectory, Lopez could become a cornerstone player for the New Zealand Breakers and the Mexican national team.

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