Former National Basketball Association (NBA) star Quinn Cook's journey in the league was short but impressive, marked by winning two championships with two different teams. Despite only spending seven years in the NBA, Cook's career is a testament to his skills, determination, and the often harsh realities of professional sports.
Cook's NBA journey began with promise and culminated in memorable achievements. He played a crucial role in the Golden State Warriors' 2018 championship run, serving as the official backup guard for the legendary Stephen Curry. That season, Cook started in 18 games, proving his potential and value to the team. His performances caught the attention of the Los Angeles Lakers, who traded for him in 2019. Cook's time with the Lakers was marked by another championship victory, this time during the 2019/20 NBA season.
However, just two seasons after his last NBA championship, Cook made the surprising decision to leave the NBA at the age of 28. His departure from the league, at such a young age, raised eyebrows and left many wondering why a player with his talent would walk away from the most prestigious basketball league in the world.
In a candid interview on Dwight Howard’s "Above The Rim DH 12" podcast, Cook opened up about his NBA journey and the reasons behind his departure. He reflected on his time with the Golden State Warriors, where he was an integral part of a dynasty. "One thing about me is I was always a great teammate, genuine, never really forced nothing off the court. I worked. I signed with Golden State, and I was a backup that year, obviously Stephen Curry went out - had a nice 30-game run. Won a chip. We get Boogie the next year, I was a backup that year, he tears his quad first round after coming off of Achilles. Kevin Durant got hurt the next series, Klay gets hurt, we were a play away from going to Game 7. I contributed in 2018/19, I was the backup point guard for Golden State, a dynasty," Cook shared.
“Only thing I’m mad about that is, they didn’t keep all of us together.”
— BASKETBALL ON 𝕏 (@BASKETBALLonX) August 5, 2024
Dwight Howard, DeMarcus Cousins, and Quinn Cook reflect back on the success the 2019-2020 Los Angeles Lakers had.
pic.twitter.com/CWplnXlqfc
His time with the Los Angeles Lakers, however, was a different story. Despite being part of the team's championship-winning roster, Cook found himself relegated to a bench role. During the 2019/20 season, he averaged 5.1 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game in 44 appearances. His contributions were limited, and in his second season with the Lakers, he was benched permanently, receiving zero game time.
"Go to LA, I don’t play. I’m sitting behind LeBron James, I’m sitting behind Rajon Rondo. I played in three straight Finals. I have never been on a guaranteed contract since, which is bulls**t. But, at the end of the day, I had to go through those first non-guaranteed deals, or living out of my suitcase for two years to get ready for that. At that point, I was just like, forget the NBA, I’m going to go where I get the respect. Then, I went overseas and it’s been great ever since," Cook added.
Cook's decision to leave the NBA was driven by a sense of disrespect and frustration with the lack of guaranteed contracts and stable playing time. After the 2020/21 season, he felt that the NBA no longer valued him, prompting him to explore opportunities overseas. His experiences in the NBA, particularly in his later years, left him disillusioned with the league.
Cook's journey in the NBA was far from straightforward. He went undrafted in the 2015 NBA draft, a setback that could have derailed his career before it even began. However, he persevered, eventually signing with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2017 after being waived by both the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Dallas Mavericks. Cook's resilience and determination paid off, as he went on to win two NBA championships and establish himself as a reliable backup guard.
Despite his success, Cook's time in the NBA was marked by a lack of stability. He was often on non-guaranteed contracts, which meant that his future in the league was always uncertain. This instability, coupled with his diminishing role on the court, led Cook to question his place in the NBA.
After leaving the NBA, Cook found success playing overseas. He has played in several countries, including Russia, China, and Puerto Rico, where he has been able to continue his basketball career while also finding the respect and stability that he felt was lacking in the NBA. Cook's decision to leave the NBA and pursue opportunities abroad has allowed him to continue doing what he loves while also enjoying the benefits of being a valued player.
As of now, Cook is currently without a club, having left Cangrejeros de Santurce on May 3. Despite this, he remains optimistic about his future and is open to new opportunities, whether in the NBA or overseas.
Quinn Cook's story is a reminder of the challenges and uncertainties that professional athletes face, even those who achieve the highest levels of success. His decision to leave the NBA at 28 was not made lightly, but it was a choice that allowed him to take control of his career and find fulfillment on his own terms.
For fans and aspiring basketball players, Cook's journey offers valuable lessons about perseverance, self-respect, and the importance of finding the right fit, both on and off the court. His story also highlights the often-overlooked realities of professional sports, where even the most talented players can find themselves struggling to secure their place.
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