The Phoenix Suns have recovered from the shock of losing Dillon Brooks to a broken left hand for 4-6 weeks, and attentions now turn to who will replace their emotional leader each night.
Although not a like-for-like swap in a positional sense, point guard Collin Gillespie is the outside the box choice who could really excel in the role.
Gillespie is called "Villain Jr." for a reason
Let's not forget that prior to the season beginning, Brooks had taken Gillespie under his wing at training camp and even gave him the nickname "Villain Jr.".
It would be a stretch to say they have the same playing styles, Brooks was inching into DeMarcus Cousins territory before going down, but Gillespie inspires his teammates in a different way.
Each night he plays hard and has no problem going against bigger opponents, even if he doesn't always come out on top.
"Something that, with these guys out, I gotta be better with.... that's something I don't take lightly."
— Stephen PridGeon-Garner 🏁 (@StephenPG3) February 24, 2026
Collin Gillespie with me on what he saw with his turnovers vs Portland. pic.twitter.com/AxzJ64vrkd
There's a fearlessness to his game that is also backed up by an elite IQ. Seriously watch Gillespie on any given possession, he rarely makes the wrong decision.
What he does share in common with Brooks is the scrappy underdog tag, as this time last year Gillespie was on a two-way contract.
He played so well that he earned a full-time spot in the rotation this season, and has inspired others to follow in his footsteps in the process.
He's by no means a second unit wonder either, with Gillespie having started 38-of-57 games played to this point. That number the second most appearances of any player behind Royce O'Neale and Oso Ighodaro (tied on 58) as well.
Brooks was a second round pick who made his name with the Memphis Grizzlies by getting into it with opponents and generally being a nightmare to play against.
His style took some time to refine, who could forget those not so great run-ins with LeBron James, but you can see how much the Houston Rockets miss him this season.
Both have a ton of talent, but will also turn to a skill that we don't see out of most players each night. They will run themselves into the ground and give their all for the cause.
So while Collin Gillespie is not going to lock down elite scorers or strike fear into bruising centers, he can be the solution to the gap in the roster with Brooks gone for a while in a different way.
It might not lead to a postseason appearance, but you better believe he's going to try and get the Suns there every time he steps out on the court.