What Happened to Quinn Cook? Who does He Play for?
by Aishwarya R
Updated May 05, 2023
Who is Quinn Cook?
Quinn Cook is an American professional basketball player who was born on March 23, 1993. He is a former player for the Zhejiang Lions of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). Cook is well known for his college career with the Duke Blue Devils, where he played from 2011 to 2015. He was considered one of the top-rated basketball recruits in the class of 2011 and helped Duke win the NCAA national championship in 2015.
After his college career, Cook entered the NBA draft in 2015 but went undrafted. He eventually signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers and played for their G League affiliate, the Canton Charge. Cook then played for several NBA teams, including the Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans, Golden State Warriors, and Los Angeles Lakers. He won NBA championships with the Golden State Warriors in 2018 and the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020.
Before his college career, Cook attended DeMatha Catholic in Hyattsville, Maryland, and Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia. He played for both schools' basketball teams and was highly recruited by several college basketball programs. Quinn Cook has had a successful basketball career, both in college and in the NBA. He is known for his sharp shooting, solid ball handling, and overall basketball IQ.
What Happened to Quinn Cook?
On October 14, 2020, after winning their 17th NBA championship at Walt Disney World near Orlando, the Lakers accidentally left Quinn Cook behind at the arena amidst all of the excitement and champagne. Cook, a two-time NBA champion who played in six playoff games during the Lakers' championship run, commented on J.R Smith's Instagram Live, letting his teammate know that he was stranded. "Gotta walk back after I win a f---ing ring," Cook wrote. After reading the message, Smith informed everyone of what had happened, while Cook pleaded for help. Ultimately, the Lakers managed to reunite with Cook and bring him back to the hotel.
In August 2022, Quinn Cook signed a one-year deal with the Sacramento Kings, marking his return to the NBA. At the age of 29, Cook's chances of becoming a major success in the league were not high, but he had the opportunity to turn his contract with the Kings into a long-term relationship. What makes Cook unique is not his career trajectory, as many NBA players have short careers and end up as career role players. Instead, it is the love and respect that he garners from his former teammates. When LeBron James and Draymond Green heard of Cook's signing, they expressed their happiness for him.
This is not the first time Cook has received such praise from his former teammates. When he won an NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors and coach Steve Kerr congratulated him and told him that he proved he belonged, it was a rare moment of recognition for a reserve player with an uncertain future. Cook's ability to form strong bonds with his teammates and earn their admiration is a testament to his character and work ethic on and off the court.
He was waived by Sacramento Kings on 13 October 2022. The Kings have a strong commitment to their community and are actively involved in various social and charitable causes. The team has a foundation that focuses on education, health, and wellness, and they work closely with local schools and non-profits to make a positive impact in the Sacramento area.
After signing with the Zhejiang Lions of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) in November 2022, Quinn Cook quickly made an impact. On December 14, he scored a career-high 54 points in just 29 minutes of action in a game against the Shandong Heroes. Cook's time with the Zhejiang Lions was short-lived as he was released from the team on January 11, 2023.
Who does Quinn Cook play for?
Quinn Cook was a free agent and is not currently signed with any NBA team. However, he did play for the Zhejiang Lions of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) in the 2022-2023 season.
Quinn Cook began his high school basketball career at DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland, where he played for three years, earning an impressive 85-18 record and leading the Stags to a number-one ranking in Maryland during his junior season. Cook was recognized for his exceptional talent and was named the Washington Post All-Met Player of the Year following his junior season. He was the first junior in 30 years to receive the award and the only junior named to the 2010 All-Met first team.
Before his senior season, Cook decided to transfer to Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia. In his final year of high school, Cook led the Warriors to a 31-4 record, averaging 19.1 points per game, 10.9 assists per game, and 2.5 steals per game. His impressive performance earned him a spot in the 2011 McDonald's All-American Game and a Second Team All-American recognition by Maxpreps.
On November 4, 2010, Cook committed to play basketball at Duke University, choosing the Blue Devils over other top schools like Villanova, UCLA, and North Carolina. Cook was a part of Duke's five-player recruiting class of 2011, which was ranked as the second-best in the country by ESPNU. Cook's decision to attend Duke was largely due to his desire to play for legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski.
Quinn Cook Contract
For the 2022-2023 season, Quinn Cook signed a one-year contract with the Sacramento Kings worth $2,133,278, which is his average salary. The contract was signed using Exhibit 9/Minimum provision, and he became a restricted free agent in 2023.
Previously, for the 2021-2022 season, Cook had signed a one-year contract with a salary of $1,939,350 with the team. This contract was also signed using the Exhibit 9/Minimum provision, and he became an unrestricted free agent in 2022.
During the summer leading up to his freshman season with Duke University, the basketball team traveled to China and Dubai for exhibitions. However, Cook was unable to participate in any of the games due to a knee injury he sustained earlier that summer. He made his debut for the Blue Devils on October 14, 2011, during Duke's annual Countdown to Craziness event, scoring 7 points and providing 2 assists in his first game as a Blue Devil. Throughout his freshman season, Cook's highest scoring game was against UNC Greensboro on December 19, 2011, where he scored 14 points. Cook was a key player on the 2015 NCAA national champion Duke team, where he averaged 15.3 points and 2.6 assists per game.
Quinn Cook championship rings
Quinn Cook is a highly accomplished professional basketball player who has achieved an impressive feat that many players can only dream of. He has won not just one, but two NBA championships throughout his career, showcasing his immense talent and dedication to the sport.
Cook's first championship win came as a member of the 2017-18 Golden State Warriors team. Playing alongside legendary players such as Steph Curry and Kevin Durant, Cook made a significant contribution to the team's success, demonstrating his skills as a top-class point guard.
Cook's second championship came in the 2019-20 season, where he played a pivotal role in the Los Angeles Lakers' dominant campaign. As a trusted member of the team's rotation, Cook was instrumental in helping the Lakers clinch their first championship in ten years, further cementing his status as a highly respected and accomplished player in the league.
Having achieved such a remarkable feat, Cook is held in high regard by his peers and fans alike. His unwavering determination and commitment to the game have made him an invaluable asset to any team he has played for, and his ability to perform under pressure has earned him the admiration of basketball enthusiasts worldwide.
In short, Quinn Cook's two championship wins are a testament to his incredible skill and unwavering commitment to the game of basketball. He has proven time and again that he is a top-class player, and his contributions to both the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers will forever be remembered as key factors in their championship-winning campaigns.
What Happened to Quinn Cook - FAQs
Quinn Cook is 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 meters) tall and weighs 180 pounds (81.6 kilograms).
Quinn Cook has played for several NBA teams, including the Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans, Golden State Warriors, and Los Angeles Lakers.
Yes, Quinn Cook has won two NBA championships. He won the championship with the Golden State Warriors in the 2017-18 season and with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2019-20 season.
Quinn Cook played college basketball at Duke University from 2011-2015.
Quinn Cook's career high in points is 28, which he achieved while playing for the Golden State Warriors on November 17, 2018, in a game against the Dallas Mavericks.