The Phoenix Suns made the steal of the offseason, signing Collin Gillespie to a one-year deal worth $2.3 million. We're a quarter of the way into the 2025-26 season, and Gillespie has already outplayed that contract. His hustle and energy off the bench are exactly what Phoenix needed, and what Mat Ishbia was talking about when he discussed a culture change.
Gillespie is averaging a career-high 12.7 points, 5.0 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game for the 12-9 Suns, shooting 43.9% from the field and 42.9% from three in 26.4 minutes. He's the team's top scorer off the bench, quickly becoming one of their most important role players.
To think that over three years ago, in 2022, Gillespie went undrafted. He signed a two-way contract with Denver after the draft, but fractured his leg in an offseason workout. He missed the entire 2022-23 season, watching from the sideline as the Nuggets won their first-ever championship. Gilliespie stayed with Denver the following season, excelling in the G League, but the front office still let him walk.
It's a good thing they did because it led Gillespie to the desert.
Collin Gillespie is enjoying a breakout season with the Suns
You'd think by now that people would know better than to doubt guards from Villanova, especially after Gillespie slipped through the cracks in the Nuggets. Speaking of, Denver is looking for another backup point guard, a role that Gillespie would've filled perfectly.
After an offseason full of change in Phoenix, Gillespie's breakout couldn't have come at a better time. He's upping his value each time that he steps on the court, but his current contract is great value. How his situation shakes out next summer when he hits unrestricted free agency is uncertain, but you can bet the Suns are already thinking of ways to retain the 26-year-old.
If the season ended today (and there are still a lot of games left), Phoenix would host Golden State in the play-in tournament. If the Suns won, they'd advance to the first round of the playoffs. There aren't many people outside of Arizona who thought the team would be sitting in seventh in the West. Devin Booker is the star of the show, but you can also thank Gillespie's contributions for Phoenix's positioning.
Hopefully, Gillespie's time with the Suns won't be limited to only two seasons. Jordan Ott loves having him around, as do his teammates, and, of course, the fans.