The players from the 2026 NBA draft from Latin America

The NBA draft is predicted to be one of the best in recent memory. It's stacked at the top end, with future superstars like AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer, but it's also a phenomenally deep draft, with lots of talent throughout the draft and even into the second round.

That includes a few players from Latin America. There's obviously a strong history of players from Puerto Rico or the Dominican Republic, but this draft class has a variety of players from Latin America, including the first player born in Mexico ever to be picked in the first round of the draft.

Here's three players from Latin America to watch from this NBA draft, how they will fit onto their new teams, and how much they'll be seeing the floor. If you want to bet on these teams, you should check out https://www.vegasinsider.com/ for betting information and tips.

Three 2026 NBA draft picks from Latin America

Yaxel Lendenborg (Puerto Rico)- Golden State Warriors

Yaxel Lendenborg was the first Latin American pick of the 2026 NBA draft, and his story has to be one of the best stories in this draft class.

Born in Puerto Rico to two parents who played for the Dominican Republic national team, he was cut from his high school team as a freshman for poor grades. He worked his way through junior college and UAB before transferring to Michigan, where he became Big Ten Player of the Year and led the Wolverines to a national championship.

Golden State drafted him 11th overall, and the fit makes immediate sense. Lendeborg is arguably the most pro-ready player in the class, a 6-foot-9 two-way forward with a 7-foot-4 wingspan who can defend multiple positions, shoot from deep and create for teammates. With the Warriors transitioning beyond the Curry era, Lendeborg should see meaningful minutes from day one.

Karim Lopez (Mexico)- Memphis Grizzlies

López made history as the first Mexican-born player ever selected in the first round of the NBA draft. Born in Hermosillo, Sonora, to a father who played for Mexico's national team, he left home at 14 to join Joventut Badalona's youth academy in Spain before spending two seasons with the New Zealand Breakers in the Australian NBL.

Still only 19, López averaged 11.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks across 30 games in his final NBL season. His blend of athleticism, size and defensive versatility has drawn comparisons to Aaron Gordon. Memphis traded up to get him on draft night, and he slots into a Grizzlies roster that values length and physicality. His jumper still needs work, but the tools are all there for a long NBA career.

Maliqiue Lewis (Trinidad and Tobago/Australia)- Milwaukee Bucks

Lewis is the longest shot of the three, taken with the final pick of the entire draft, but his backstory makes him one to watch. Born in Trinidad and Tobago, he developed his game in the Australian NBL with South East Melbourne, following a pathway that's becoming increasingly popular for international prospects.

Being picked 60th means nothing is guaranteed. Lewis will likely spend time on a two-way contract or in the G League before getting a real shot at the Milwaukee rotation. But the Bucks clearly saw something worth taking a flyer on with the last pick available to them. For Trinidad and Tobago, a country with almost no NBA history, simply hearing his name called on draft night is a significant moment, and Lewis now has a foot in the door with a franchise that knows how to develop international talent.