Warriors' future beyond Steph Curry may depend on 19-year old Mexican forward playing in New Zealand

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Warriors' future beyond Steph Curry may depend on 19-year old Mexican forward playing in New Zealand originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The day is getting closer for the Golden State Warriors.

At some point, Steph Curry will no longer be there to put the Warriors on his back. Golden State has to start considering even more firmly what that future might look like.

ESPN's Jeremy Woo thinks that future may include Karim Lopez. In his latest mock draft, Wood projects the Warriors to use the No. 11 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft on Lopez.

Lopez is a fascinating prospect. Standing 6-foot-9 and originally from Mexico, Lopez has spent the past two seasons playing in the New Zealand Breakers as part of Australia's National Basketball League.

"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 writes. "Showing progress as a perimeter shooter in those settings would help his case to sneak into the top 10."

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It's rare for teenagers to put up many numbers in the NBL, but this season, Lopez averaged 11.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game.

The Warriors would likely be hoping that a player of Lopez's talent level slides just enough to get him.

"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," Woo writes. "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."

Lopez is equipped to play from the outset and could eventually take on a bigger role when the veterans depart. That's the type of player who is worth taking in the back half of the lottery for the Warriors.

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