Karim Lopez is a fun rebounder, his 6.1 rebs per game is impressive for a 19 y/o against high-end professional competition, especially in just 25.8 mins per game.
Per 36 mins
- 8.6 rebs (6 dreb 2.6 oreb)
But it's what his rebounding prowess tells me about Lopez as a person, that I find most interesting.
For an 18/19 y/o to be the 2nd leading rebounder on an NBL team, it tells us so much about his eagerness to compete but more importantly it highlights his ability to embrace physicality and have success imposing his size and length against professional competition.
Lopez fully embraces the nature of fighting for rebounds in the NBL, an experience that is undoubtedly more physical than that of his NCAA counterparts.
He pairs his natural instincts with active hands and great length. He also reads the floor well after grabbing boards, consistently hitting the right player with an outlet pass that fuels a transition opportunity.
Frankly, Lopez just has some real grit to him; it’s not uncommon for him to get pushed or tripped to the ground, but he always bounces back up and usually calls for the ball on the next possession. While his body language might look lackadaisical and his engagement can fluctuate, more often than not, Lopez plays hard.
Bringing an energy that clearly stems from a deep competitive spirit.
I think there is a mental toughness confidence that Lopez has, at least on film, two critical traits needed for him to make the rather substantial developmental jump needed to begin to touch his ceiling.
#NBADraft #KarimLopez @NoCeilingsNBA