PHOENIX – The first free agent signing for the Phoenix Suns have been revealed to be guard Collin Gillespie. The two-way guard had a late resurgence with the team, appearing in 33 games and starting nine of them. In those appearances, he averaged a career high in points (5.9), assists (2.4) and rebounds (2.4). The 26-year-old impressed the franchise and the fans last season with his energy off the bench, being a sparkplug for a roster that desperately needed the boost.
Mar 19, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) dribbles against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at PHX Aena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Charania on Suns signing Gillespie:
Before starting his NBA career, Gillespie played at Villanova. During his five-year career with the Wildcats, Gillespie recorded 11.9 points, 3.1 assists, and 2.9 rebounds. The 6’3 guard earned All-American honors and Big East player of the year, while helping Villanova win a national title his freshman year.
After going undrafted in the 2022 draft, Gillespie signed with the Denver Nuggets. Despite not recording a single minute in 2023, Gillespie is technically an NBA champion with Denver. The next year, he would grab more opportunities, appearing in 24 games, averaging 9.4 minutes per game. However, he wasn’t able to impress the Nuggets, not being re-signed by the team.
Oct 15, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Collin Gillespie (21) controls the ball under pressure from Chicago Bulls forward Terry Taylor (32) in the fourth quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Gillespie signed a two-way contract with the Suns on July 2nd, 2024. During his first season in the Valley, Gillespie appeared in only one game in the first half of the season, but finally got his opportunity by appearing in 33 of the final 39 games. His energy was infectious to the whole team and has earned to be a significant part of the roster’s rotation for next year.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
