Phoenix Suns: The Rise of Collin Gillespie
The Phoenix Suns have discovered a rising star in guard Collin Gillespie. Transitioning from a two-way contract to a starting position on a playoff-bound team, Gillespie has become a candidate for Most Improved Player. His journey is inspiring, and he continued to shine with a strong start against the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday.
Gillespie kicked off the game by scoring eight of the Suns' first 13 points, setting the stage for what seemed to be a career night on national television. However, the game took a turn, and he managed only three more points over the remaining 44 minutes, ending the night with a challenging one-of-seven from the field. The Suns narrowly lost to the Nuggets, 125-123, adding a bittersweet note to Gillespie's performance against his former team.
As Dillon Brooks and Mark Williams prepare to return, questions arise about Gillespie's future in the starting lineup. Despite recent standout performances, will he maintain his role?
Here's a look at Gillespie’s impressive stats from his last four games before facing the Nuggets:
- 31.5 minutes per game
- 17.5 points per game
- 5.5 assists per game
- 3.5 rebounds per game
- Shooting 47.9% overall and 45.9% from three on 9.3 attempts
Gillespie has been a starter since November, but the Suns have struggled with injuries during that time. Jalen Green missed the first four months of the season, and Grayson Allen has been inconsistent in the lineup. Brooks and Williams have also been sidelined recently.
When the team was healthier, Gillespie played a sixth-man role for the first 18 games, during which the Suns went 11-7. Since becoming a starter, the team is 29-24, with Gillespie playing a crucial role in their success.
The return of Williams and Brooks could shake things up. Head coach Jordan Ott initially preferred a starting five of Devin Booker, Jalen Green, Royce O’Neale, Mark Williams, and Dillon Brooks. The three-guard lineup of Booker, Green, and Gillespie might face defensive challenges against teams like Denver, which led Ott to reduce Gillespie's minutes in the second half.
In the latter half of the game, Gillespie played only 11.5 minutes, scoring one point and recording one assist. Grayson Allen took over ballhandling duties, hinting at potential adjustments once the team is fully healthy.
Whether starting or coming off the bench, Gillespie remains integral to the Suns' rotation. Coach Ott faces a decision in the final nine games of the season. Gillespie’s hard work has paid off, but his role may evolve despite his recent achievements.