PHOENIX – With Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie expected to get a bigger offer in unrestricted free agency, the reality of him not returning is a real possibility. After setting the franchise record for most three-pointers in a single season, the 26-year-old was a massive reason why Phoenix was successful last year and averaged career high in every stat. However, his play might’ve played himself out of the Suns price range, which led Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Conner to mock draft the team finding Gillespie’s replacement with another Gillespie.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!O’Conner sees general manager Brian Gregory selecting with the 47th pick Tennessee guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie. The six-foot senior guard had his best statistical season and could make a real impact on an NBA roster.
Tennessee guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie (0) dunks on Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) during a NCAA Tournament Elite 8 game between Tennessee and Michigan at the United Center in Chicago on March 29, 2026. Syndication: The Knoxville News-Sentinel
O’Conner on what Gillespie brings to Suns:
“In the NBA, he projects as less of a lead guard and more of a spark plug who comes off the bench and fires jumpers and reliably runs the offense. The NBA’s track record with guards his size is the obvious concern, but anyone who shoots like Gillespie and processes the game at his level deserves a real chance.”
Mar 21, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) shoots against the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
The 22-year-old started his collegiate career at Belmont, where in his sophomore season lead the Mountain Valley conference in field goal percentage as a guard averaging 17.2 points. Gillespie would transfer to two schools in his final two years in college. In his junior campaign, he remained a 40.7% three-point shooter and helped Maryland to the Sweet 16. But, Gillespie would lose to the eventual national champion Florida Gators.
Ironically, the next season at Tennessee, the Volunteers and himself would lose to the eventual national champion Michigan Wolverines. Bad luck in March Madness aside, Gillespie led the program in scoring (18.4) and assists (5.4). He was the engine for that Elite 8 team and could do the same in the league.
Tennessee guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie (0) flexes after dunking on Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) during a NCAA Tournament Elite 8 game between Tennessee and Michigan at the United Center in Chicago on March 29, 2026. Syndication: The Knoxville News-Sentinel
While undersize at the point guard position, his ability to poke the ball away from ballhandlers is an elite skill. Gillespie has two seasons averaging over two steals in college. And despite his three-point shooting taking a dip in the 2025-2026 season, history shows that he can be elite from the perimeter.
The Suns could use his playmaking ability, that is enhanced by his athleticism on downhill attacks, and hot shooting. As O’Conner coined it, Gillespie could start off as a spark plug off the bench, but given the right system, his scoring ability could make him an excellent pro player.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
