Collin Gillespie is more than deserving of the runner-up spot on this list. The 2025-26 season one in which the 27-year-old proved beyond any doubt that he belongs in the NBA.
From a G League player on a two-way contract who stepped up even when Kevin Durant was in town to a genuine floor general who makes his teammates better, no player better encapsulates the culture that the franchise are trying to create than Gillespie.
Gillespie is all that is great about basketball in Phoenix
The former Villanova prospect is proof that if you give your all to the cause in The Valley, the fanbase will react accordingly. Right from the word go at training camp he was totally committed, earning the nickname “Villain Jr.” from Dillon Brooks before the action had even gotten underway. It flew under the radar at the time, but Gillespie helped his new teammate in Brooks (who arrived with preconceived notions about his game and how he carries himself) settle right away.
We can give the former Denver Nugget no better compliment than the fact he was able to step into the void created by Jalen Green’s persistent hamstring issues, and actually looked like the better long-term fit than the former second overall pick. Starting 58-of-80 games played was an uptick in production nobody saw coming, and better yet it coincided with winning basketball as the Suns made the playoffs.
Number 10 - Jamaree Bouyea took his NBA career off life support
Number 9 - Brian Gregory banished the 'Michigan Guy' tag
Number 8 - Grayson Allen finally fulfilled his destiny in Phoenix
Number 7 - Jordan Ott came along at the perfect time for the Suns
Number 6 - Oso Ighodaro finally found his groove in Phoenix
Number 5 - Mark Williams won't be appearing here again
Number 4 - Jordan Goodwin made greatest individual leap in Phoenix
Number 3 - Devin Booker the constant Suns' needed
Shooting over 40 percent from deep on over seven attempts each night was Grayson Allen-esque, and in the postseason he made roughly the same amount of shots from 3-point range on 6.3 efforts. To start three of those contests versus the Oklahoma City Thunder was a testament to his importance, and while he couldn’t hang with the size at the Thunder’s disposal, it did not stop him from trying.
So good was Gillespie that unfortunately the only way may be down after a breakout campaign, and he will have to contend with coming off the bench. A role he will give his all, but it will be a change running the second unit or coming in as a sixth man expected to produce points and assists right away.
That negativity is for another day however, because when the Suns needed a feel good story to cling to after the departure of Durant, it was Gillespie who answered the call. He will go down as a cult hero in Phoenix when all is said and done.
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