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4 takeaways from the Golden State Warriors’ Summer League campaign

By Peter O'Keefe

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 07: Lester Quinones #25 of the Golden State Warriors drives against Max Christie #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half of a 2023 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 07, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 07: Lester Quinones #25 of the Golden State Warriors drives against Max Christie #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half of a 2023 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 07, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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Lester Quinones was the Golden State Warriors’ best player during Summer League. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
Lester Quinones was the Golden State Warriors’ best player during Summer League. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images) /

2. Golden State would be lucky to retain Lester Quinones on a two-way contract

Quinones finished his impressive work in Summer League with a 32-point outing against the Raptors on Saturday, adding four rebounds, six assists, three steals and two blocks in a complete display.

Not only was Quinones far-and-away Golden State’s best player throughout the tournament, but more importantly he proved he’s simply way too good for that level of competition. Coming off a G League season where he won ‘Most Improved’, the 22-year-old’s rate of development is incredibly exciting for Warrior fans.

Quinones averaged 21.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. The shooting percentages weren’t great – 37.3% from the floor and 26.7% from three –- but that was more a reflection of the load he took on in a Warrior offense that often lacked spark.

The most impressive facet may be the fact he got to the free-throw line an average of 7.8 times per game. That and his assist numbers are a clear indication that he’s more than just a shooter, only increasing the comparisons between him and former Warrior Jordan Poole.

The Warriors tended a two-way qualifying offer to Quinones before free agency, and the question mark now lays on whether he’s willing to accept that, or whether he desperately wants a standard deal. Based on his Summer League form, and even his late performances last G League season, you couldn’t blame him for wanting a guaranteed contract.

Golden State would be fortunate to retain Quinones on a two-way contract. Either on that or as part of the main roster, don’t be surprised if Quinones plays a reasonable role next regular season given the Warriors’ have a number of veteran guards namely Stephen Curry, Chris Paul and Cory Joseph.

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