Lester Quinones, the previous Memphis basketball guard who went undrafted Thursday, has agreed to a two-way cope with the NBA champion Golden State Warriors, in accordance with NBA insider Shams Charania.
Quinones, the 6-foot-5, 208-pound guard from Brentwood, New York, adopted former Tigers Jalen Duren and Josh Minott in starting their skilled careers. Duren was the thirteenth general choose and was a part of a deal that despatched him to the Detroit Pistons. Minott was the forty fifth choice (second spherical) by the Minnesota Timberwolves. In 2020, James Wiseman and Treasured Achiuwa have been chosen second and twentieth general, respectively.
In three seasons at Memphis, Quinones averaged 10.1 factors, 4.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists. Final season, he helped Memphis attain the NCAA Match for the primary time since 2014. Quinones was additionally a part of a core that helped the Tigers win the Nationwide Invitation Match in 2021.
2022 NBA DRAFT TRACKER: Live results, updates and grades of picks so far
LESTER QUINONES: How he transformed into the leader Memphis basketball needs
JALEN DUREN: Memphis basketball’s Jalen Duren traded to Detroit Pistons in 2022 NBA Draft: Pros and cons
The positives
Quinones boasts an array of qualities that make him a sexy prospect.
Neck-and-neck for the highest spot on the record are his perimeter capturing and his sound basic protection. Quinones shot 40% from 3-point land as a sophomore in 2020-21, then adopted that up by hitting at a 39% clip past the arc final season.
On the defensive finish, Quinones routinely lined up reverse the Tiger opponent’s finest participant. He collected 82 steals in 87 profession video games and averaged 3.3 defensive rebounds a recreation over every of the previous two seasons.
The issues
The explosiveness and general athleticism Quinones displayed in video games at Memphis left a bit to be desired. An above-average 3-point shooter with a sound mid-range recreation, the majority of Quinones’ scoring alternatives across the basket got here on second-chance factors.
Quinones additionally had bother creating his personal shot and struggled with turnovers (profession 1.1 assist-to-turnover ratio).
Closing ideas
In the fitting state of affairs and with sufficient time to develop, Quinones has an opportunity to change into a serviceable contributor.
His 3-point capturing means alone is sufficient to give him an opportunity within the modern-day NBA.
Attain sports activities author Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @munzly.
This text initially appeared on Memphis Business Enchantment: Golden State Warriors sign Lester Quinones of Memphis: Report
