Immanuel Quickley

Immanuel Quickley

Immanuel Jaylen Quickley (born June 17, 1999) is an American professional basketball player for the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Standing 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) and weighing 190 pounds (86 kg), Quickley is a dynamic lead guard known for his elite “floater” game, deep three-point range, and high-energy defensive presence.

A former SEC Player of the Year at the University of Kentucky, Quickley began his professional career with the New York Knicks, where he finished as the runner-up for the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 2023. In December 2023, he was traded to the Toronto Raptors, subsequently signing a five-year, $175 million contract to become a cornerstone of the franchise’s future.

 

Early Life 

High School Career

Quickley was born in Havre de Grace, Maryland, to Nitrease and Marcellas Quickley. He attended The John Carroll School, where he emerged as one of the top point guard prospects in the nation. As a senior, he averaged 20.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 6.7 assists, leading his team to a Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) conference title. He was selected as a McDonald’s All-American and participated in the Jordan Brand Classic in 2018.

College Career (2018–2020)

Quickley played two seasons for coach John Calipari at the University of Kentucky.

• Freshman Season (2018–2019): He averaged 5.2 points per game while adjusting to the collegiate level.
• Sophomore Season (2019–2020): Quickley experienced a massive breakout, averaging 16.1 points and shooting 42.8% from three-point range. He ended the season by scoring in double figures in 20 consecutive games.

He was named the SEC Player of the Year and a consensus Second-team All-American before declaring for the 2020 NBA Draft.

 

NBA Career

 

New York Knicks (2020–2023)

Quickley was selected 25th overall in 2020 and quickly became a fan favorite at Madison Square Garden. He earned NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors in 2021. During the 2022–23 season, he emerged as the league’s premier reserve, averaging 14.9 points and providing elite perimeter defense, finishing second in Sixth Man of the Year voting.

Toronto Raptors (2023–present)

On December 30, 2023, Quickley was traded to the Toronto Raptors alongside RJ Barrett in exchange for OG Anunoby. Transitioning into a full-time starting role, he averaged career-highs in points and assists to close out the season. In July 2024, the Raptors secured his long-term future with a $175 million extension.

2025–2026 Season

As of February 11, 2026, Quickley is averaging 18.4 points, 6.8 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game. He has been instrumental in Toronto’s push for a playoff spot, most recently recording 22 points and 9 assists in a victory over the Brooklyn Nets on February 10, 2026.

 

Career Highlights

• SEC Player of the Year (2020)
• NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2021)
• NBA Sixth Man of the Year Runner-up (2023)
• Career High Points: 40 (March 27, 2023, vs. Houston)