To say Collin Gillespie was one of the feel-good stories for the Phoenix Suns last season would be an understatement. As we look at the Suns with the most to prove this coming season, Gillespie lands at number eight on this list because the hard work is only beginning now for the point guard.
Gillespie brought back to be long-term contributor in Phoenix
With the Suns’ cap sheet suddenly approaching the dreaded second apron we saw when Kevin Durant was in town, it was a huge vote of confidence for the franchise to bring Gillespie back on a four-year, $48 million deal. It made sense for all involved, and Gillespie has more value here than anywhere else in the league.
But the expectations now, compared to when he was easily exceeding his role across the last two seasons, have changed massively. Not only do many predict he will be the sixth man here, but others feel he should dislodge Jalen Green from the starting group thanks to his willingness to defend, and his fit next to Devin Booker is much better on both ends of the court.
That all sounds great, but to actually replace a former second overall pick who was the centerpiece of the Durant trade and who can walk into 20 points in their sleep on any given night is a tall order. Yet, if the Suns want to get closer to contention, that is exactly what they need to happen. An increase in some of his basic numbers (scoring/assists) is also expected, despite the fact that he will have stiff competition even for the minutes he is already guaranteed.
Not only will Jordan Goodwin be hot on his heels (we’re not ruling out an eventual starting berth for him), but the Suns also tried to find the next Collin Gillespie this offseason by signing Pat Spencer to a two-way deal.
He’s already proven himself with the Golden State Warriors, but, like Gillespie before him, he has the opportunity to massively exceed the contract he is playing on. Jamaree Bouyea remains in The Valley, and like Goodwin, his body is built much better for defending.
Gillespie possesses skills no other Sun currently does
Phoenix has failed to address their point guard issue since trading away Chris Paul. The Tyus Jones experience was a disaster, and despite the team wanting Booker to act as the primary playmaker a puzzling amount, they need true creators on this roster.
Gillespie is currently the most qualified to fill this hole, and as long as he plays the way that we have already seen, he will be successful for the franchise.
The contract the Suns signed him to was a steal, and no player on their roster currently has as easy of a contract to move while also having the potential to rise to the level of a full-time starter. And Gillespie thought making the roster was the hard part.
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