PHOENIX – The biggest surprise from last year’s Phoenix Suns team was the rise of point guard Collin Gillespie. The former Villanova National Champion was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Denver Nuggets and was a part of the 2023 NBA championship roster. At just 26 years old, Gillespie has experienced almost everything a basketball player could on the court.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!That was until the embarrassment of the 2024-2025 Suns. The franchise was touted as one of the favorites to win the title and crashed almost immediately. As the team fell further into dysfunction, then head coach Mike Budenholzer tried to find solution and gave Gillespie a more prominent role in the final 16 games of the season.
Oct 26, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) against the Dallas Mavericks in the home opener at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
After being a career benchwarmer for his first two seasons, Gillespie in those 16 games averaged 8.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists on 42.5% from the 3-point line. His energy was infectious and was the perfect sparkplug off the bench. Phoenix’s season was already too far gone, but next season could be Gillespie’s first time as a full-time rotational player.
Gillespie stats prediction as full-time Suns backup in 2025-2026:
- MPG: 18.9
- PPG: 8.1
- APG: 3.6
- RPG: 2.7
- 3pt%: 39.6
Mar 4, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) reacts against the LA Clippers during the second half at PHX Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
The Suns roster is guard heavy with other prominent players like Devin Booker, Jalen Green, Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale. However, Gillespie is arguably the only true point guard on the roster. Booker has done a stellar job of being the facilitator of the offense, being top 10 in assists in 2024-2025.
Regardless, the four-time All-Star is the franchise player and is at his best when playing without the ball in movement, which Gillespie can help with in his crucial minutes off the bench.
Apr 11, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) dribbles against San Antonio Spurs guard Malaki Branham (22) during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Gillespie is a smart passer and a knockdown shooter. He has the versatility to play with any lineup combination with his ability to play on and off ball. At 6’1, opposing offenses will try to target him on defense. Head coach Jordan Ott could counteract with a lineup surrounding Gillespie of high-level defenders like Dillon Brooks, Ryan Dunn and Khaman Maluach.
Suns’ Ryan Dunn joins Ketel Marte in crossover moment during D-Backs’ pregame warmups
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
