Lester Quiñones #25 of Dominican Republic during the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2nd Round Group I game (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)
The New Orleans Pelicans announced Monday that guard Lester Quiñones has been called up from the Birmingham Squadron, the team’s NBA G League affiliate.
In his Pelicans debut, Quiñones logged 11 minutes, contributing five points and one steal in a 112–99 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. His first made shot was a catch-and-shoot three-pointer, providing a spark off the bench for a short-handed New Orleans team.
Quiñones, 24, is on a two-way contract and has averaged 21.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in 36.1 minutes per game this season. The 6-foot-5 guard has taken on an expanded role in recent weeks, handling increased responsibilities as the team’s lead ballhandler while maintaining his scoring production.
Embracing the Point Guard Role
“Just kind of coming in and being the leading scorer, and then transitioning more into the point guard role,” Quiñones said to RG. “Coach has had me at the one more in the last 10 to 12 games — playing more point guard and having the ball in my hands. He’s emphasized making the right decisions.”
The shift has required adjustments in how defenses are playing him — and how he responds in real time.
“Going from being the leading scorer to playing point guard opens up new windows and new avenues in terms of how teams guard me,” Quiñones said.
“I’m seeing new reads and new looks that I’m not used to seeing when I’m on the wing.”
Quiñones said head coach T.J. Saint and player development coach Jordan Surenkamp have been instrumental in helping him grow in that role.
“Definitely Jordan — he’s my player development coach. I get with him every day. We’re in the lab almost daily,” Quiñones said.
During games, Quiñones has earned Saint’s trust, and they leverage real-time feedback to elevate his ability to manage games and take control of the offense.
“T.J., man, as the head coach — just his relationship with me helps a lot,” Quiñones said. “Being out there and seeing the game differently, calling certain plays, understanding the schemes teams are running against me — that’s huge. I’ll go up to him mid-game, and we’ll talk about it. I feel like we’ve gotten to a point where we’re comfortable reading the game together. Now that I’m the point guard out there, controlling the offense, he’s really emphasized giving me the keys. That includes cutting down turnovers and finding my shots on offense.”
Quiñones acknowledged the difficulty of balancing playmaking and scoring responsibilities.
“That’s probably the toughest part — being the one, getting everyone involved, and then knowing when to flip that switch and be aggressive as a scorer,” Quiñones said.
Quiñones also credited the team’s internal standards for fostering his development, regardless of wins or losses.
“The culture here, man — T.J. sets a great standard,” Quiñones said.
“Whether you’re the first guy or the 15th guy, whether you’re late or someone else is late, he holds everybody accountable and treats everyone the same. Even if we’re not winning every game, we’re playing the right way, guys are in the right spots, there are no egos, and we’re doing things the right way. It’s great to be part of that kind of team.”
Learning From the League’s Best
Quiñones previously spent time with the Golden State Warriors, where he was named NBA G League Most Improved Player in 2023, and later joined the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-way contract.
“Definitely my first two years at Golden State — Steph was like a mentor to me, even to this day. I texted him a couple of days ago,” Quiñones said. “Having him those first two years in the league, plus guys like Klay, CP3, Jordan Poole — those types of guys around me, I learned a lot. I was one of those young guys that showed up to every single workout Steph did. Whether it was an off day, game day, or practice day, I was always there watching everything like a sponge. I can honestly say I took full advantage of every opportunity there.”
Quiñones’s approach didn’t change during his time in Philadelphia.
“In Philly, being around guys like PG [Paul George], Maxey and Embiid — same thing,” Quiñones said. “Watching PG and Maxey work out, jumping into reps with them, just soaking it all up.”
Now with New Orleans, he’s eager to learn from the Pelicans’ veterans.
“It makes me excited to eventually go up top here with the Pelicans and be around guys like CJ or Dejounte, where I can learn some moves, reads, and how they move professionally,” Quiñones said. “I’m just trying to be a student of the game.”
Quiñones also praised the approach of his Birmingham teammates, including two-way player Keion Brooks and second-round pick Antonio Reeves, who’ve made strong impressions during their time with the Squadron.
Although the Squadron have been eliminated from playoff contention, Quiñones said the focus hasn’t changed inside the locker room.
“We know we’re not making the playoffs, and it’s easy for teams to quit at this point,” Quiñones said. “But T.J.’s emphasized playing hard, putting the right film out there, and doing the right things. From day one, we’ve set the standard and culture here — and nothing changes now.”
Quiñones is expected to be available Monday night when the Pelicans host the Philadelphia 76ers, as both teams continue to manage heavy roster attrition and play out the final stretch of the season.
Grant Afseth
