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Golden State Warriors sign G League guard to ensure Lamb/Jerome eligibility

By Peter O'Keefe

SAITAMA, JAPAN - SEPTEMBER 30: Lester Quinones #25 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the Golden State Warriors v Washington Wizards - NBA Japan Games at the Saitama Super Arena on September 30, 2022 in Saitama, Japan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images)
SAITAMA, JAPAN - SEPTEMBER 30: Lester Quinones #25 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the Golden State Warriors v Washington Wizards - NBA Japan Games at the Saitama Super Arena on September 30, 2022 in Saitama, Japan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images) /
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With plenty of ongoing speculation about their vacant 15th roster spot, the Golden State Warriors have orchestrated a strange but clever move to give themselves more time in making the decision.

The Warriors are signing Lester Quinones to a 10-day contract according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania. The 6’5″ guard was previously on a two-way contract with the team over training camp, before losing that spot to the more experienced Ty Jerome.

Signing Lester Quinones to a 10-day contract has little to do with him, but more so the effect on the Golden State Warriors’ two-way players.

Quinones has been in sparkling form this season for the Santa Cruz Warriors, averaging 20.7 points on 44.7% from the floor and 36.1% from three-point range. He’s also added 7.1 rebounds and five assists per game, displaying an impressive all-around game that shows NBA potential. However, with a plethora of guards already on the roster, one would question why Golden State feel the need to add another inexperienced one that will be well down the pecking order.

Ty Jerome and Anthony Lamb are behind the Golden State Warriors decision to sign Lester Quinones. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Ty Jerome and Anthony Lamb are behind the Golden State Warriors decision to sign Lester Quinones. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

As pointed out by The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, the decision goes deeper than the signing of Quinones himself. He describes the CBA rule that almost forces the Warriors into adding the 22-year-old to their roster.

"“There’s a little-known CBA rule that is at the heart of the decision. A team that only has 14 players on its roster is limited to 90 combined games from their two-way players. A team that has a 15-man roster can use the full 100”."

Lamb (47) and Jerome (40) have played a combined 87 games this season, meaning they’d be eligible for only three more games combined without Quinones or another play in the 15th spot. As a result of the signing, Lamb can play a further three games and Jerome a further ten. As much as Quinones may have earned the spot, and it’s reward for his impressive play in the G League, his signing is more about the eligibility of the Warriors’ two-way players.

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This ultimately gives Golden State a little more time in making their final roster decisions. Most expect one of Lamb or Jerome to take the 15th spot, but Bob Myers and the front office can also use this time to scour the buyout market for potential options. For Quinones, it’s a chance to further impress and push his case despite what’s expected to be incredibly limited playing time.

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