Quincy Pondexter is ready to get started coaching the Windy City Bulls.
There's a new head coach in Hoffman Estates, Ill. Former Chicago Bulls wing Quincy Pondexter is set to lead the franchise's G League affiliate, the Windy City Bulls, in his first opportunity as a head coach at any level.
Pondexter, 38, had a nine-year NBA career from 2010 to 2019. He spent time with the New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans, Memphis Grizzlies, Bulls and San Antonio Spurs before hanging up his sneakers. Now, he'll return to Chicago as a coach, aiming to develop young, exciting players who can make a difference in the Bulls' rebuild.
The new head coach took to social media on Tuesday to share his excitement regarding his new opportunity.
"Becoming a head coach has always been a dream of mine, and I am excited to take this next step as I look forward to developing our players both on and off the court, building a strong culture, and competing daily," Pondexter wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter). "My family and I are excited to begin this new chapter in Chicago, and I am grateful to everyone who has supported [us] along the way. Let’s get to work!"
Pondexter previously coached at his alma mater, the University of Washington, as an assistant under two different head coaches. He began working for the Huskies under Mike Hopkins in 2021, then left the Northwest in 2024 for the USC Trojans and Eric Musselman. After just one season in Southern California, Pondexter returned to Washington under head coach Danny Sprinkle. The Huskies went 16-17 overall, including 7-13 in Big Ten play.
Nov 17, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Jeremy Lamb (3) looks to pass the ball against Chicago Bulls guard Quincy Pondexter (20) during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports The former 6-foot-7 small forward was a solid rotational NBA player at his peak, but unfortunately, his career was significantly impacted by injuries. Pondexter was selected with the No. 26 overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft and appeared in 189 games over his first three seasons with the Hornets and the Grizzlies. He then suffered a stress fracture in his right foot that caused him to miss most of the 2013-14 season.
However, the 2014-15 season was Pondexter's best year yet. After being traded to the Pelicans midseason, Pondexter made 28 starts in 45 games, averaged 9.0 points per game and shot 43.3% from beyond the arc. Thanks to Pondexter's sharpshooting prowess, the Pelicans went on a run and reached the playoffs as the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference.
Following the postseason, Pondexter underwent arthroscopic left knee surgery, which altered the course of his career. He battled a life-threatening skin infection, and the knee injury and treatment caused Pondexter to miss the next two seasons.
Pondexter returned to the court as a Chicago Bull in 2017. He appeared in 23 games and made one start, averaging 2.0 points and 1.2 rebounds per game on 28.6% shooting. Pondexter played one more season for the Spurs and retired in 2019.
Although the franchise's NBA head coach — Tiago Splitter — never overlapped with Pondexter, lead Bulls executive Bryson Graham did. Graham's first NBA job was as a front office intern for the New Orleans Hornets in 2010-11, the same year Pondexter was drafted. He was also a scouting coordinator when the Pelicans acquired Pondexter in 2015 and remained with New Orleans until 2025.
