Sports · Basketball · 2 hrs ago
Karim López moves between the Grizzlies and their G League team
Memphis Grizzlies rookie Karim López is splitting time between the NBA team and its G League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle.
The 19-year-old from Hermosillo, Mexico, was the only Mexican player picked in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft, going 21st to Detroit before being traded to Memphis.
He joined the Grizzlies after playing in Australia, but injuries and the adjustment to the NBA have limited his playing time.
By November 3, he had played seven minutes in the NBA, scoring two points and recording two rebounds and a block.
The team sent him to the Hustle to support his development and physical conditioning, then brought him back to first-team practice hours later.
López is expected to have a limited role as he develops, with Memphis coach Tuomas Iisalo saying he is improving and is among the league’s youngest players.
The Memphis Grizzlies assigned Karim López to their G League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle, on November 3, then brought him back to the NBA team’s training that day.
The move was intended to support the 19-year-old’s development and physical conditioning.
López made his NBA debut on October 29, nine days after the 2026-27 season began.
By November 3, he had played seven minutes for the Grizzlies, scoring two points and recording two rebounds and a block.
- Who
- Karim López, the Memphis Grizzlies and their G League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle.
- What
- López was assigned to the Hustle and later returned to training with the Grizzlies.
- When
- November 3, 2026.
- Where
- Memphis, Tennessee.
- Why
- The assignment was intended to continue his development and optimize his physical condition.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The 2026-27 season began, nine days before López made his NBA debut.
López made his NBA debut for the Grizzlies.
The Grizzlies assigned López to the Memphis Hustle and brought him back to the main team’s training later that day.
The Grizzlies were due to face the Indiana Pacers.
- Assignment
- Memphis Hustle, the Grizzlies’ G League affiliate
- NBA debut
- October 29, 2026
- NBA statistics by November 3
- 7 minutes, 2 points, 2 rebounds and 1 block
- Age
- 19 years old
What people are saying
He is developing very quickly. We must not forget that he is only 19 years old, I think he is the third-youngest player in the league this year, and he is improving every day.