Warriors add international wing from NBL in latest ESPN NBA mock draft

While they wait for the first round of the NBA postseason to play out, the Golden State Warriors have gotten a head start on the offseason. A big box for Mike Dunleavy Jr. to check in a pivotal offseason ahead starts with the 2026 edition of the NBA draft. For the first time in his tenure as general manager, the Warriors are projected to have a lottery pick.

Although the lottery isn't set yet, players are beginning to get linked to the Warriors in different mock drafts. In the latest mock draft from ESPN's Jeremy Woo, Dunleavy Jr. and the Warriors landed on NBL wing Karim Lopez. According to Woo, Lopez is one of the top overseas-based players in the 2026 class.

Via ESPN:

Golden State enters an uncertain offseason, with Steve Kerr's future unclear and a need to consider the long-term health of the roster, still anchored by 38-year-old Stephen Curry. Selecting a younger player such as Lopez, who has the experience to potentially slot in early on his rookie deal, might help mesh the short and long-term goals.

Read Woo's full mock draft, including Golden State's pick in the second round here via ESPN.

The 19-year-old wing has played the last two seasons in Australia's NBL for the New Zealand Breakers. Last season, Lopez played 31 games, averaging 11.9 points on 50.2% shooting from the field and 32.6% from deep to go along with 6.1 boards, two assists and 1.2 steals in 25.8 minutes per contest.

Lopez, born in Mexico, played for his home country's senior national team during their 2024 Olympic qualification tournament run. In three games with Mexico during Olympic qualifiers, Lopez averaged 5.7 points on 35.7% shooting from the field to go along with 3.3 rebounds in 16 minutes per game.

The Warriors will find out exactly where they're picking on at the NBA draft lottery on May 10th. The first round of the NBA draft is then set for June 24th in Brooklyn.