Former Memphis Tiger Lester Quinones is seizing his opportunity with the Golden State Warriors.
After earning the Most Improved Player award in the G League last season, Quinones is now striving to cement his place in the NBA. Throughout February, he’s averaging 10.7 points per game while boasting an impressive 47% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc.
This is the ideal moment for Quinones to solidify his roster spot for several reasons.
G League and Dominican Republic
Since departing from the University of Memphis, Quinones has dedicated himself to honing his skills on the court. Throughout his rookie year as a professional player, he exhibited remarkable growth on the offensive front, showcasing his prowess in creating scoring opportunities for himself.
Additionally, Quinones has remained active during the offseason, representing the Dominican Republic national team on the international stage. Previous to that Quinones also had a strong performance in the 2023 NBA Summer League.
In a talent-rich league like the NBA, Quinones is distinguishing himself from the competition through his strong work ethic.
Warriors
Entering the 2023-24 NBA season, Quinones inked another two-way contract with the Golden State Warriors. Amidst the team’s current struggles, they have turned their attention to younger talent, hoping to inject some fresh energy into the squad.
Given the age of several key Warriors players, particularly Klay Thompson, this presents the ideal opportunity for Quinones to compete for minutes and establish himself on the team.
Quinones initiated his recent impressive streak in the ideal setting: the familiar surroundings of the FedexForum in Memphis.
“I heard everybody screaming my name. I just felt it tonight. It was surreal, and it felt amazing to be here,” he said after the Warriors’ win over the Grizzlies last Friday.
Entering the NBA marks just the start of a potentially lengthy career in the league for Quinones. To solidify his place in the rotation, he must continue to deliver consistent shooting and solid defensive performances.
