Many Phoenix Suns fans expect Luke Kennard to slip seamlessly into the gap created by Grayson Allen’s departure, but it is actually Collin Gillespie who will take up that mantle.
Gillespie better equipped to replicate Allen’s playmaking and shooting
Although Kennard and Allen have both led the entire league in 3-point shooting in the past, that is where the similarities end between the duo. Kennard won’t be bringing much more to the Suns on a nightly basis than the ability to stretch the opposition; that is why he has been played off the court in previous stops and why he is unlikely to force his way into the starting lineup unless injuries strike.
Defensively, he can be a liability, and if his shot is not falling, Kennard struggles to impact the game in any other meaningful way. That's not to say signing him is a bad move, as Kennard remains one of the best signings of the summer for the Suns.
Gillespie’s skill set is much closer to that of Allen, and although he’s not nearly as elite from deep, he has converted an impressive 40.6 percent of his 3-pointers in two seasons in The Valley. Defenders respect the shot, which is not even his best skill. Not only is Gillespie a willing passer, but you could make the case that he is the best creator on this roster heading into 2026-27.
That is why he has a much better chance of forcing his way into the starting five conversation as the season progresses, in the same way Allen did in the past. When he was brought in by the Suns, most expected him to come off the bench and torch opponents' second unit. Instead, Allen was a legitimate two-way threat on the wing and an underrated defender with the kind of athleticism both Kennard and Gillespie could only dream of.
Gillespie doesn’t have the body type to be the kind of defender Allen is, but he is willing and will gladly pick up beefier opponents if that is what the team needs.
Suns have sneaky impressive depth with Gillespie and Kennard
Allen will be missed in Phoenix, but the front office turned him into an upgrade in Miles Bridges while signing Kennard to replicate Allen’s best skill in 3-point shooting.
Gillespie can then do the rest, and he may even be deployed alongside Devin Booker and Jalen Green in certain lineups depending on how well he can hold his own on the defensive end. If anything, Gillespie could force his way into the starting five at the expense of Green, even if that would be a disaster for the Suns’ own plans for Green.
Grayson Allen will be missed, but Collin Gillespie was brought back on a new deal for a reason, and he has earned the right to take the spot left by his former teammate.
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