This talented young guard has secured championships with both the Warriors and the Lakers.
In 2018, Quinn Cook served as the backup point guard for the Golden State Warriors, who won the championship that year. He started 18 games during the season and was part of the team from 2017 to 2019. The following season, 2019-2020, he captured another championship with the Los Angeles Lakers, but two seasons later, he found himself out of the NBA.
Cook reflects on his career with a sense of confusion, believing he was a dedicated teammate who put in the effort, yet his time in the league spanned only seven seasons.
In a recent interview on Dwight Howard’s podcast, “Above The Rim with DH 12,” Cook discussed his experiences with both the Warriors and Lakers, as well as his exit from the league.
He stated, “I was always a great teammate, genuine, never forced anything off the court. I worked.” Cook explained that after signing with Golden State, he was the backup when Steph Curry was sidelined, contributing significantly during their championship run. He noted the injuries to key players like DeMarcus Cousins and Kevin Durant during the following season, emphasizing his role as a backup point guard during the Warriors’ dynasty years.
After his time with the Warriors, Cook played off the bench for the Lakers, averaging 5.1 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists over 44 games. However, in his second season with the Lakers, he saw minimal playing time.
“Going to LA, I didn’t play,” Cook remarked, noting he was behind stars like LeBron James and Rajon Rondo. He expressed frustration about never being on a guaranteed contract since then, which he described as unfair. He eventually decided to leave the NBA for opportunities abroad, seeking respect in his career.
Following the 2020-21 season, Cook felt he lost respect from the league, prompting his move overseas. He attempted a comeback but claimed his agent misled him about NBA interest, leading him to return home and join the G League without success. After taking a year off to regroup, Cook expressed his desire to continue playing basketball at the age of 30.
Cook’s journey highlights the unpredictable nature of NBA careers, where many players struggle to maintain roster spots. Despite the challenges, he finds fulfillment in playing basketball overseas, allowing him to continue pursuing his passion.
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