Lester Quinones, 23, a rising Dominican-American basketball talent, has already made a name for himself during his time with the Golden State Warriors. Known for his impressive shooting ability and versatility on the court, Quinones is an exciting addition to the 76ers’ roster as they gear up for the upcoming season.
NBA insider Shams Charania has announced on X, saying,“Free agent G Lester Quinones has agreed to a two-way NBA deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, sources tell @TheAthletic. Quinones averaged 4.2 points in 10.1 minutes over 41 games for the Warriors over last two seasons and will now compete for a roster spot for 76ers”.
Free agent G Lester Quinones has agreed to a two-way NBA deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, sources tell @TheAthletic. Quinones averaged 4.2 points in 10.1 minutes over 41 games for the Warriors over last two seasons and will now compete for a roster spot for 76ers. pic.twitter.com/xBAO91Qjw3
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 25, 2024
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Do you think Lester Quinones will make a significant impact on the Philadelphia 76ers?
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Can Lester Quinones be the game-changer the 76ers need to finally clinch an NBA title?
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He is reported to signed a two-way contract with the 76ers. A two-way contract allows players to split time between the NBA and G League. It allows the player with permission to be on the NBA team’s active list for no more than 50 games during the game.
Now, as he joins the Philadelphia 76ers, Quinones hopes to further develop his skills and contribute to a team that features stars like Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. The Sixers’ decision to add Quinones to their roster aligns with their strategy to build a competitive team while nurturing young talent.
Quinones will probably have the opportunity to learn from veteran players and coaching staff, potentially enhancing his performance on the court. However, Quinones’ career has been full of ups and downs, transitioning from high school standout to college athlete and, eventually, to the NBA.
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Early Life and High School Career
Born on November 16, 2000, in Brentwood, New York, Lester Quinones started playing basketball in sixth grade. He went to Brentwood High School but during his junior year, he was transferred to the Upper Room Christian School in Dix Hills, New York. He averaged an impressive 19.3 points per game, earning recognition and landing a spot on the Long Island Basketball honor roll in 2017.
He then attended St. Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark, New Jersey for his senior season. There, he became teammates with five-star recruit Precious Achiuwa, as he joined the nationally-ranked program. During his time at St. Benedict’s, Quinones showcased his scoring prowess, including a standout performance where he scored 23 points against Hudson Catholic Regional High School, then the top-ranked team in New Jersey.
After his time at St. Benedict’s, Quinones transferred to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, where he continued to hone his skills. At IMG, he averaged an impressive 24 points, nine rebounds, and six assists per game, solidifying his status as a consensus four-star recruit.
College Career at Memphis
After completing his schooling and postgraduate career, Quinones played college basketball for the Memphis Tigers under head coach Penny Hardaway on May 10, 2019. His transition to college basketball generated high expectations, and he lived up to them. In his freshman season, Quinones made a career-high record with a double-double in his first game with 21 points and 10 rebounds against Alcorn State. He received the American Athletic Conference Freshman of the Week award for his performance.
However, his season was not without challenges. Quinones broke his right hand during a game against Ole Miss, sidelining him for three weeks. He overcame this setback and ended the season on a high note, receiving recognition as a member of the American Athletic Conference All-Freshman Team for his impressive averages of 10.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game.
College Career Stats
| Year | Team | Games played | Minutes per game | Field goal % | Rebounds per game | Assists per game | Steals per game | Blocks per game | Points per game |
| 2019-20 | Memphis | 26 | 29.4 | .402 | 3.8 | 2.2 | .8 | .1 | 10.7 |
| 2020-21 | Memphis | 28 | 26.3 | .432 | 5.8 | 1.9 | .9 | .2 | 9.5 |
| 2021-22 | Memphis | 33 | 27.2 | .449 | 3.5 | 1.3 | 1.2 | .1 | 10.0 |
| Career | 87 | 27.6 | .429 | 4.3 | 1.8 | .9 | .1 | 10.1 |
Quinones decided to leave Memphis after his junior season to enter the 2022 NBA Draft, opting to pursue his professional career. His time at Memphis showcased his ability to score, rebound, and assist, making him an attractive prospect for NBA teams.
Professional Career with the Warriors
After going undrafted in 2022, Quinones signed a two-way contract with the Golden State Warriors. His journey in the NBA began with participation in the Summer League, where he displayed his potential with powerful performances. However, he faced challenges early on, being waved by the Warriors shortly after signing. Undeterred, he continued to develop his skills with the Santa Cruz Warriors in the NBA G League.
Quinones became a standout player in the G League and even won the Most Improved Player award. He had a scoring talent, especially in that game where he scored 42 points against the Salt Lake City Stars. Quinones showed off his shooting skills, scoring an average of 21.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game, with a three-point shooting percentage of over 35%.
According to the NBA, his career-high performances for the Warriors was against the Hawks. Were he scored 17 points and added five rebounds over 23 minutes in 141-134 loss to the Hawks.
| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
| 2022–23 | Golden State | 4 | 0 | 4.5 | .400 | .500 | .667 | .8 | .5 | .3 | .0 | 2.5 |
| 2023–24 | Golden State | 37 | 0 | 10.7 | .397 | .364 | .690 | 1.9 | 1.0 | .2 | .1 | 4.4 |
| Career | 41 | 0 | 10.1 | .397 | .370 | .686 | 1.8 | .9 | .2 | .0 | 4.2 |
In March 2023, Quinones signed a 10-day contract with the Warriors and made his NBA debut shortly after. His journey with Golden State culminated in a standard contract signed in February 2024, but he ultimately became a free agent when the Warriors did not renew his contract in June 2024.
What’s your perspective on:
Can Lester Quinones be the game-changer the 76ers need to finally clinch an NBA title?
Have an interesting take?
International Career
Quinones once represented the Dominican Republic on the international stage. He played for the under-18 national team, where he averaged 17.5 points per game during the 2018 FIBA under-18 Americas Championship. His performance, particularly a 31-point game against Puerto Rico, showcased his talent on a larger platform.
Quinones’s journey from Brentwood, New York, to the NBA illustrates not only his talent but also his dedication to the sport. As he begins this new journey with the 76ers, fans are excited to witness his growth and impact on the team’s future success.
What do you think about the 76ers’ new acquisition? Let us know in the comments.
Debate
Can Lester Quinones be the game-changer the 76ers need to finally clinch an NBA title?