Through the first quarter of the season, one name has emerged as the unexpected heartbeat of the Phoenix Suns - Collin Gillespie. The point guard has gone from a depth piece on a two-way deal to a legitimate difference-maker in the starting lineup. And if we’re handing out a first-quarter MVP for this Suns squad, it’s Gillespie’s trophy to lose.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t just a feel-good story. Gillespie has earned this spotlight with consistent, high-impact basketball on both ends of the floor.
Head coach Jordan Ott, who’s leaned heavily on his veterans to navigate early-season turbulence, turned to Gillespie when injuries hit - and the 25-year-old didn’t flinch. With key players sidelined and Devin Booker carrying a heavy creative load, it was Gillespie who stepped up and steadied the ship.
And he didn’t just fill in - he thrived.
While Booker has battled through a shooting slump, Gillespie has quietly become one of the Suns’ most reliable perimeter threats. He’s knocking down 42.9% of his threes on 6.7 attempts per game - a high-volume clip that reflects not only confidence but trust from the coaching staff.
That’s more long-range attempts than Booker is taking right now, which would’ve raised eyebrows a year ago. But today?
It’s part of the plan. Gillespie moves off the ball with purpose, reads defenses with poise, and consistently finds daylight.
He’s not just fitting in - he’s elevating the offense.
There’s a cerebral quality to Gillespie’s game that jumps off the screen. His ability to anticipate plays, relocate for open looks, and make the right reads under pressure speaks to a high basketball IQ.
It’s no surprise, then, that he had Nikola Jokić as a mentor during his rookie year. That kind of tutelage leaves a mark, and it shows in the way Gillespie sees the game a step ahead.
Of course, he wasn’t the only name in the running for this early MVP nod. Center Mark Williams has been excellent in his own right - a dominant interior presence when healthy.
But availability matters, and Williams’ absence in back-to-backs has limited his impact. Gillespie, on the other hand, has been a nightly constant.
He’s earned his minutes, and he’s made it nearly impossible for Ott to scale them back once the roster is at full strength.
That’s going to be a real dilemma when Jalen Green returns. Gillespie may slide back into a bench role, but don’t expect a drop-off.
He’s the kind of player who thrives regardless of where he starts the game. The production, the energy, the unselfishness - it all travels.
And here’s the kicker: his presence has helped Phoenix quietly turn into a respectable defensive team. That’s no small feat for a group that opened the season near the bottom of the league in points allowed. Gillespie isn’t the sole reason for the defensive turnaround, but his effort, communication, and discipline have been a big part of the solution.
It’s time to start talking about Gillespie in the Sixth Man of the Year conversation - assuming he qualifies. Right now, he’s doing starter-level work, and doing it with the poise of a seasoned vet. The Suns would be wise to prioritize bringing him back next season, but for now, fans should just enjoy the ride.
Collin Gillespie didn’t just step up - he’s changed the trajectory of this team.