Karim López will wear No. 35 this season, which is a number Kevin Durant has championed at various points in the NBA.
While a lot of offseason talk has centered around Memphis Grizzlies incoming rookie Cameron Boozer, he isn't the only first-round pick joining the team.
Memphis also has No. 21 overall pick Karim López coming aboard, who could certainly become a key factor in this era of Grizzlies basketball.
López will wear No. 35 with Memphis. That number has been worn by NBA icon Kevin Durant at various points throughout his career. In a conversation with AS, López credited the former league MVP for inspiring him and influencing his game.
“There weren’t many numbers, but I really like Durant," he said. "As a tall, long player, I liked that he was seven feet tall and could shoot and handle the ball. I’m not saying I’m Durant, but he inspired me and influenced me not to become a traditional post player, but a more versatile one.”
López wore different numbers while playing internationally, but those digits are already taken with the Grizzlies. So instead, he will get a chance to wear a number that he associates with a player that helped him shape his game.
The 19-year-old appears to hold multiple star veterans around the league in high regard. He also shared that NBA legend LeBron James is his "favorite player," adding that he sees him as the G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time). López and the Grizzlies will get to face James' Philadelphia 76ers this season, which the rookie said he is looking forward to.
If López can look anything like Durant in the NBA, the Grizzlies will end up with a special talent. Durant, at 6-foot-11, is known for his ability to play like a guard. It has helped him build a legendary resume that includes 16 All-Star nods, four scoring titles, two NBA championships, two Finals MVP awards and one league MVP award.
López (6-foot-8 or 6-foot-9 depending on the listing) isn't as tall as Durant, but he certainly has size that will play to his advantage in the NBA, especially given his athleticism and versatility. He is definitely an upside play for Memphis in the sense that he is a little unproven, but if it all comes together, he could end up looking like one of the steals of the draft.
The Mexico native isn't lacking in motivation, either. He shared during his conversation with AS that he expected to be selected sooner than 21st in the draft, a reality that "adds more fuel to the fire" and makes him "hungrier."
Last season, López averaged 11.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game for New Zealand in the NBL, per Basketball Reference. He will look to reach and ultimately exceed those heights in due time in the NBA.
The Grizzlies will face the Houston Rockets several times this coming season, so López will get a chance to share the floor with Durant while wearing the superstar's old number. Currently, Durant wears No. 7.
