Lester Quiñones Making the Most Out of Opportunity with Osceola Magic 

Kissimmee, Fla. - Confidence has never been an issue for Osceola Magic guard Lester Quiñones. Even his social media handles, Effort_Les, display the mindset he takes with him when he steps out onto the court.  

“On the aspect of working out with these guys that are projected way higher than me, I’m kind of outplaying them and out shooting them,” Quiñones said during the pre-draft process in 2022. “I honestly do think I really have a shot of going to the next level and not just getting there, but staying there for a long time.”  

Showcasing that confidence in a way that entices NBA executives isn’t always easy, though. Since going undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft out of Memphis, Quiñones’ journey through the G League and NBA has put his skills to the test.   

Prior to joining the Magic, Quiñones had one of the most extensive G League résumés in the league. After college, he began his professional career with the Santa Cruz Warriors, where he quickly established himself as a high-usage scorer and dependable perimeter threat. He averaged 20.2 points per game in 49 games with the G League Warriors on 46.3 percent shooting from the field. His success earned him the 2022-23 NBA G League Most Improved Player award and a spot on the All-Rookie Team.   

Quiñones also played four games with Golden State during his rookie season, and his playstyle caught the eye of NBA Champion Head Coach Steve Kerr. “Lester is a really good player,” Kerr said in a 2023 interview. “He used all of [2022] to make dramatic improvements in Santa Cruz. From training camp to now, he’s an entirely different player...”   

That improvement and work ethic led to Quiñones signing a two-way deal with the Warriors prior to the 2023-24 season. He appeared in 37 games at the NBA level, averaging just under 11 minutes per game, while also playing in 16 games with Santa Cruz. After his contract ended with Golden State, Quiñones played for both the Delaware Blue Coats and Birmingham Squadron throughout the 2024-25 season. Despite the constant change in scenery, he still proved himself to be one of the best scoring threats in the G League, finishing ninth in total points scored with 659.   

A game 3 loss to the Stockton Kings in the 2025 NBA G League Finals and the departure of leading scorers Mac McClung and Ethan Thompson left the Osceola Magic in a state of uncertainty with the 2025-26 season rapidly approaching. Enter Quiñones. The fourth-year guard was brought in not only to be the main scoring threat but also to establish himself as a leader in Osceola.  

From the very beginning of the season, it was evident that Quiñones was looking to establish himself as a scoring threat. He scored 20 or more points in nine of the Magic’s 14 Tip-Off Tournament games, including a 33-point outburst against the Memphis Hustle in December.  

It’s been more of the same from the New York native while helping the Magic get off to a franchise-best 14-4 start. Quiñones is averaging a career-high 22.7 points per game while taking just 15 shots per game, a career low. Shifting his style of play from simply being a high-volume shooter to now being highly efficient as well, while maintaining his scoring prowess, has been the focus for the Osceola coaching staff from day one.   

“He’s playing great basketball,” says Osceola head coach Dylan Murphy. “We’ve asked him to be more catch and shoot oriented, less off the dribble, and he’s done that. In his numbers, he’s having the most efficient year of his career right now. He’s bought into winning and doing what it takes to win, and we’re super appreciative of that.”  

“I feel like coming into Orlando, [coach Dylan Murphy] and [General Manager] Kevin [Tiller] emphasize me just being efficient,” Lester says of his change in playstyle since coming to Osceola. “I’m taking less shots in less minutes, so I feel like that’s what I’ve been locking in on this season, and I’ve shown it.”  

The combination of production, consistency, and leadership led to Quiñones earning one of the League’s top honors. In early February, the NBA G League announced that Quiñones had been selected to participate in the NBA G League Next Up Game, showcasing the league’s top talent during NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles.   

For Quiñones, the honor represents more than a midseason accolade; it has symbolized his evolution for him as a player that’s looking to get back to the NBA. His journey from Santa Cruz to Osceola reflects the G League’s role in player development and opportunity.  

As the Osceola season rolls through March, Quiñones remains focused on team success, but his play has once again put him squarely on the NBA radar. Whether through scoring bursts, clutch moments or steady leadership, Lester Quiñones has embraced his time in Osceola and has truly made the most of this opportunity to succeed.  

“We’re super excited for Lester; he’s definitely earned this,” says Magic General Manager Kevin Tiller. “Just incredible buy-in to what we’re trying to do for him. Obviously, he’s been in the NBA and has been through the ups and downs. For him to come here, contribute to winning and buy into his new role, we’re happy to see it pay off for him.” 

See Lester Quiñones during the NBA G League Next Up game, presented by AT&T on Sunday, February 15 at 2:30 p.m. ET on the NBA Channel.  

The Magic return to Osceola Heritage Park for a two-game series against the Cleveland Charge on Wednesday, February 25 and Thursday, February 26. Come celebrate Noche Latina, presented by Pepsi during Thursday’s game. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. ET with the first 1,000 fans receiving a Noche Latina replica jersey.