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Ranking Golden State Warriors from the 2022-23 season – Lester Quinones

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 the 2022-23 season having come to an end, we look back and review every player that took to the floor for the Golden State Warriors. Players will be ranked on performance, with some of that based on preseason expectations.

It was a somewhat strange rookie season for Lester Quinones, one that can largely define what being an undrafted player can entail. Having not been selected in last year’s draft, the 22-year-old signed a two-way contract with the Golden State Warriors before joining the team for Summer League.

Quinones was then part of training camp but lost his two-way deal, with the team preferring the slightly more experienced duo of Anthony Lamb and Ty Jerome. The 6’4″ guard remained with the Warriors G League Affiliate in Santa Cruz, putting in some strong performances to earn another opportunity with the main squad.

Lester Quinones is likely to try and retain his two-way contract with the Golden State Warriors ahead of his second season in the league.

Quinones averaged 21.8 points, seven rebounds, and 4.8 assists in 31 regular season G League games. He often led the Warrior offense in a combo-guard role, particularly once Golden State rookie Ryan Rollins was ruled out for the season with a foot injury.

His standout performance came on February 25 against the Salt Lake City Stars, pouring in 42 points and adding eight rebounds in a seven-point loss. It proved the catalyst to his return with Golden State, with Quinones signing a 10-day contract with the franchise on March 2.

Although a little known CBA rule meant that the contract may have been more about making sure Lamb and Jerome could play their 50 games on a two-way deal, it was a deserved reward for Quinones’ excellence at the lower level.

He failed to see the floor during his 10-day deal, but his two-way contract was reinstated on March 17 after Lamb was converted to Golden State’s vacant 15th roster spot. Quinones made his NBA debut against the San Antonio Spurs on March 31, recording one rebound in just under 90 seconds of garbage time action.

Quinones closed in positive fashion with a career-high nine points in the fourth-quarter of the Warriors’ 56-point win against the Portland Trail Blazers to close the regular season. He would average 2.5 points, 0.8 rebounds, 0.5 assists, and 4.5 minutes of play across four games.

Next. Green thankful for Kerr’s honest assessment on his future with the Golden State Warriors. dark

On April 4 Quinones was named the G League’s Most Improved Player, showcasing his capacity to be a star at that level. That doesn’t necessarily translate to NBA opportunity though, and it’s unlikely he earns a full contract with Golden State ahead of next season. If he can’t earn a main roster spot elsewhere, expect Quinones to seek another two-way deal with the Warriors as he looks to find a consistent place in the league.

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