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Young duo to “find their way” onto Golden State Warriors’ roster

By Peter O'Keefe

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 05: Amari Bailey #17 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots over Gui Santos #15 of the Golden State Warriors in the first half during the 2023 NBA California Classic at Golden 1 Center on July 05, 2023 in Sacramento, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 05: Amari Bailey #17 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots over Gui Santos #15 of the Golden State Warriors in the first half during the 2023 NBA California Classic at Golden 1 Center on July 05, 2023 in Sacramento, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Despite a disappointing 1-6 record over the course of their seven-game Summer League, there were undoubtedly some individual positives from a few of the Golden State Warriors’ young players.

Lester Quinones and Gui Santos were at the top of the list, leading the Warriors in scoring with consistently impressive performances throughout. The rate of improvement in both players has led to speculation on their potential roles with the main team next season.

After impressive Summer League campaigns, young duo Lester Quinones and Gui Santos are nearing a place on the Golden State Warriors’ roster.

Quinones was tended a two-way qualifying offer by the Warriors prior to free agency, while Santos has been the franchise’s draft-and-stash prospect after being taken with the 55th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.

Both players suited up for Golden State’s G League affiliate in Santa Cruz last season, displaying promising signs throughout. That was particularly the case for Quinones who earned himself a 10-day and then two-way deal with the Warriors amid a G League season that saw him win the league’s ‘Most Improved Player’ award.

Lester Quinones averaged over 20 points per game for the Golden State Warriors in Summer League. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
Lester Quinones averaged over 20 points per game for the Golden State Warriors in Summer League. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images) /

Speaking to Spotrac’s Keith Smith during Summer League, an anonymous Warrior insider has confirmed the young pair certainly have a future with Golden State.

"“Both Lester (Quinones) and Gui (Santos) have been our best guys in both Summer Leagues. Lester is probably better than his two-way status, but we’ll see if there is room. Gui could benefit from a step up in league. I think eventually both will find their way on our roster at some point.”"

The main question mark right now, as the insider points out, is if the Warriors can retain Quinones on a two-way contract, or if he garners a main roster spot with the franchise or elsewhere. The 22-year-old averaged 21.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.2 steals during five games in Vegas.

Santos, a 6’7″ forward from Brazil, is less likely to contribute on an NBA floor next season, though his improvement certainly appears to warrant a two-way contract with Golden State. The 21-year-old averaged 17.3 points and six rebounds during four games in Vegas.

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The pair may well be part of a training camp roster where opportunities for the 14th roster spot and/or two-way deals are available. The Warriors signed guard Jerome Robinson to a training camp deal on Monday.

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