The Golden State Warriors are still dealing with the fallout from a disappointing play-in exit at the hands of the Phoenix Suns.
Following Jimmy Butler’s midseason injury, the season quickly unraveled, leaving head coach Steve Kerr’s future uncertain and placing increased responsibility on a 38-year-old Stephen Curry.
However, the underwhelming campaign has at least improved Golden State’s draft positioning, with the franchise holding the 11th-best odds at the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Golden State Warriors Could Eye International Talent in 2026 NBA Draft
In his latest mock draft, ESPN analyst Jeremy Woo has the Warriors selecting New Zealand Breakers forward Karim Lopez with the 11th overall pick.
Across 30 games this season, Lopez averaged 11.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 block in Australia’s NBL, while shooting 49.4% from the field and 32.2% from three-point range.
“The top overseas-based player in a thin international prospect class, Lopez has a chance to help himself in predraft workouts, where teams will gain a better sense of his physical traits and skill level coming off a positive year in the NBL,” Woo wrote.
“Showing progress as a perimeter shooter in those settings would help his case to sneak into the top 10, as he jockeys for position with Ament and Yaxel Lendeborg, two other versatile forwards.”
Woo also noted that the Warriors must “consider the long-term health of the roster,” suggesting that a prospect like Lopez could “help mesh the short and long-term goals.”
At just 19-years-old, the Mexican forward already brings a wealth of professional experience. He signed with Joventut Badalona in Spain at 14 before later joining the Breakers in Australia.
Now in his second season in New Zealand, Lopez has emerged as one of the more intriguing international prospects in his class.
Karim Lopez’s Upside Aligns With Warriors’ Long-Term Vision
In late January, Lopez delivered a breakout performance, scoring 32 points in a win over Melbourne.
He added eight rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two blocks, while shooting an efficient 11-of-13 from the field in a dominant all-around display.
“Lopez is skilled enough that he’ll be a terrific player somewhere, but I wonder if he’s going to be the best player in EuroLeague at some point or if he’ll be a legitimate NBA player,” The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie wrote in March.
Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. traveled to Auckland, New Zealand, earlier this year to scout Lopez, along with other international prospects, per ESPN’s Anthony Slater.
Dunleavy has also emphasized the organization’s strong asset base, noting that Golden State controls four first-round picks and multiple pick swaps over the next seven years.
Golden State also has several mid-sized contracts on the roster that could be used to facilitate trades, giving the front office flexibility if it chooses to pursue upgrades.
As ESPN’s Bobby Marks has pointed out, the combined $18 million salaries of Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski could be included in potential trade discussions.
Kristaps Porzingis could also emerge as a name to watch in offseason movement, particularly as part of a potential sign-and-trade scenario.
While the Golden State Warriors are expected to monitor the Giannis Antetokounmpo situation closely this summer, their draft capital provides an alternative route, allowing them to add young, cost-controlled talent to support both their current core and long-term direction.
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