Spurs land ideal running mate for Wembanyama in way-too-early mock draft

This offseason, the Spurs added two exciting rookies in Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant to help the organization build one of the most promising young cores in the NBA. With Victor Wembanyama leading the way and a cast of blossoming role players, the Spurs hold the key to becoming a future dynasty.

Yet still, they are not finished. Thanks to the Dejounte Murray trade a few years back, the Spurs hold a pick swap with the Atlanta Hawks in next year's draft. With a keen eye on the Hawks' next season, all Spurs fans will be plotting their demise to help boost the selection into the lottery.

Regardless, the Spurs will get another crack at bringing in a talented rookie to bolster the electrifying young core. With the college basketball season gearing up to begin in just under two months, it is never too early to start planning for the draft.

In doing so, Bleacher Report shared its projections for next year's draft. Predicting the Hawks to finish outside the playoffs, the Spurs were granted the 12th overall pick in the mock draft. With the pick, the Spurs select Karim Lopez, a forward out of the NBL.

The Spurs build for the future with another teenage prospect

Entering the 2026 NBA Draft, Lopez will be one of the youngest prospects, but despite his 17-year-old age, he is unmistakably intriguing.

The budding star has been dominating players above his weight class his entire life. As a 14-year-old, Lopez signed with Joventut Badalona in Spain, where he would practice and play with grown adults. Proving his worth, the youngster then traveled to Australia, where he began playing with his current squad, the New Zealand Breakers.

As a member of the Breakers, Lopez became the youngest player in NBL history to record a double-double. In this past season, the forward averaged a promising 9.6 points and 4.7 rebounds.

At first glance, Lopez exudes the makings of a future star. Standing a lengthy 6'8", the prospect has the perfect height and body type to excel in the NBA. He has used this stature to dominate in the paint and bully his opponents down low. With his strength, he has a highlight reel worth of thunderous dunks and crafty finishes.

Karim Lopez could be exactly what the Spurs need

Continually using his size, Lopez has proved to be an above-average rebounder and defender who can get up high for showtime blocks. With NBA-level coaching and a strong determination to succeed, the youngster projects to be an excellent defender at the next level.

However, the most significant breaking point in Lopez's prospects is his jump shot. While he has shown glimpses of an NBA-caliber outside shot, he will need to hone in on this skill in his final season with the Breakers.

As you should know very well, jump shooting has never been as necessary, and if he can't figure it out, his draft stock will fall. Conversely, if he begins to rain down threes, his slot on draft boards will skyrocket.

Lopez would be an exceptional add for the Spurs in next year's draft. As he is still developing, he would have plenty of time to do so next to Bryant and Harper. With another prospect bubbling with upside, the Spurs would be primed to succeed in the present and the future. It is never too early to scout, so keep your eye out for Lopez as the next great San Antonio Spur.