Two-time NBA champion Quinn Cook has seen his international basketball career disrupted twice in 2026 due to geopolitical tensions involving the United States. The 32-year-old veteran guard recently agreed to play for APR BBC in Rwanda's Basketball Africa League, but the team withdrew from the competition following U.S. visa restrictions on Rwandan officials.

Cook's troubles began earlier in January when he agreed to a contract with Esteghlal BC in Iran's Basketball Super League. Growing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, including military conflicts that erupted in late February, led Cook to cancel those plans over safety concerns. "I didn't really understand the politics, but now I'm paying attention because it's really affecting my livelihood," Cook told Andscape.

The Maryland native, who won NBA titles with the Warriors in 2018 and Lakers in 2020, is now working out in hopes of finding a safe overseas opportunity. Cook has played professionally in Russia, China, Puerto Rico and Saudi Arabia, but says navigating international basketball has become increasingly complex. "It's not as easy as the NBA. It's been tough trying to find a permanent home," he said, emphasizing that these experiences have opened his eyes to pursuing opportunities beyond basketball.