Lester Quiñones Bio
Lester Quiñones is a Dominican-American professional basketball player born on November 16, 2000, in Brentwood, New York. He currently plays as a shooting guard for the Osceola Magic in the NBA G League. Known for his scoring ability and athleticism, Quiñones has earned recognition such as the NBA G League Most Improved Player award and has represented the Dominican Republic internationally.
Early Life and Background
Lester Quiñones grew up in Brentwood, New York, where he began playing basketball in sixth grade. He attended Brentwood High School for his first two years before transferring to Upper Room Christian School in Dix Hills, New York, as a junior. There, he averaged 19.3 points per game and was named to the 2017 Long Island Basketball honor roll.
For his senior year, Quiñones moved to St. Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark, New Jersey, joining a nationally ranked basketball program. He contributed to a 28–2 record and a top 10 national ranking. Afterward, he played a postgraduate season at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, where he averaged 24 points, nine rebounds, and six assists per game, showcasing his all-around skills.
Path to Basketball
Quiñones was a consensus four-star recruit by the end of his high school and postgraduate career. On May 10, 2019, he committed to play college basketball for the Memphis Tigers under head coach Penny Hardaway. He had also considered Indiana University before making his decision.
At Memphis, Quiñones quickly made an impact, earning American Athletic Conference freshman of the week honors after a standout performance early in his freshman season. Despite a hand injury that sidelined him for several weeks, he finished the season on the AAC All-Freshman Team and contributed to Memphis winning the NIT championship in 2021.
Lester Quiñones Career
Early Career (2019–2022)
During his college career at Memphis from 2019 to 2022, Quiñones developed into a versatile guard. He averaged 10.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game as a freshman, demonstrating his scoring and playmaking abilities. His college tenure included overcoming injury setbacks and helping lead the Tigers to postseason success.
After his junior season, Quiñones declared for the 2022 NBA draft but went undrafted. Despite this, he quickly found opportunities to continue his professional career in the NBA G League.
NBA G League and Professional Breakthrough (2022–Present)
Quiñones signed a two-way contract with the Golden State Warriors in July 2022 and debuted in the NBA Summer League. Although waived by the Warriors in October 2022, he joined their G League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors. He had notable performances including a 42-point game in February 2023.
In March 2023, Quiñones signed a 10-day contract with Golden State and later a two-way contract, making his NBA debut. He earned the NBA G League Most Improved Player award in 2023 and was named to the NBA G League All-Rookie Team the same year. Quiñones continued to sign contracts with Golden State and played significant minutes during the 2023–2024 season.
In late 2024, Quiñones signed a two-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers but was waived in December. Shortly after, he was acquired by the Birmingham Squadron and later signed a two-way contract with the New Orleans Pelicans in March 2025, where he averaged 8.6 points in nine appearances. In August 2025, he signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Orlando Magic but was waived in October. He currently plays for the Osceola Magic.
Driving Style and Strengths
Quiñones is known for his scoring versatility, athleticism, and ability to contribute across multiple facets of the game. His shooting range and defensive capabilities make him a valuable two-way player. His experience with various G League teams has helped him develop a strong understanding of team dynamics and game strategy.
Notable Events and Milestones
Key milestones in Quiñones’s career include his NBA debut with the Golden State Warriors in 2023, winning the NBA G League Most Improved Player award, and representing the Dominican Republic in international competition. His 42-point game in the G League stands out as a signature performance demonstrating his scoring prowess.
Lester Quiñones Career Wins
NBA G League Highlights
Since beginning his professional career in 2022, Quiñones has established himself as a prominent scorer and playmaker in the NBA G League. His accolades include the NBA G League Most Improved Player and selection to the All-Rookie Team in 2023. He has contributed significantly to teams like the Santa Cruz Warriors, Delaware Blue Coats, Birmingham Squadron, and Osceola Magic.
Other Wins & Performances
While specific championship wins at the professional level are not documented, Quiñones’s college career included winning the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) championship with Memphis in 2021. His international play for the Dominican Republic also highlights his competitive experience on a global stage.
Lester Quiñones Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Lester Quiñones is of Salvadoran, Dominican, and Puerto Rican descent. Details about his parents or family involvement in basketball are not publicly documented.
Personal Life
Quiñones’s personal life remains private with no publicly available information about marital status or children. He resides in the United States and continues to focus on his professional basketball career.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Lester Quiñones signed a two-way contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, making his NBA debut with the team and averaging 8.6 points over nine games. He later signed with the Orlando Magic on an Exhibit 10 contract but was waived before the season started. Quiñones continues to play in the NBA G League with the Osceola Magic, aiming to leverage his G League success and NBA experience to secure a stable role in the NBA.
His 2025 season reflects a player on the rise, showing resilience and adaptability across multiple teams and leagues. With his demonstrated improvement and professional growth, Quiñones is positioned to make further strides in his basketball career.