Mention Collin Gillespie around the Phoenix Suns these days and you’re bound to get a nod of approval-or maybe even a grin. That’s how much of an impression he’s made early in the season. From G League standout to starting point guard, Gillespie’s rise has been one of the most encouraging developments for a Suns team looking to build depth and stability behind their stars.
Now, Jamaree Bouyea might be next in line to follow that same unlikely path.
Bouyea, signed to a two-way contract in mid-November, has already started turning heads in limited minutes. It’s early, but the signs are promising. And if you're the Suns, finding another Gillespie-type contributor-someone who can play both ends of the floor, stay within the system, and do it all on a minimum salary-is the kind of roster win that pays off in April and May.
Let’s be clear: Gillespie didn’t just stumble into his current role. He earned it.
Last season, he dominated in the G League, made the most of his NBA minutes, and managed to stay relevant even as the Suns navigated a chaotic stretch under former head coach Mike Budenholzer. That stretch included trying to win now with Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal in the lineup, all while the coaching seat was getting hotter by the week.
Through all of that, Gillespie kept finding ways to contribute.
Bouyea’s road has been smoother so far, but he’s still making the most of his opportunity. Since joining the team, he’s averaging over 10 minutes per game, and his shooting has been eye-opening.
He’s hit 54.5% from beyond the arc-albeit on just over two attempts per game. That kind of efficiency, even in a small sample, is hard to ignore.
It’s also eerily similar to how Gillespie started out last season, shooting 43.3% on 2.7 threes per game.
Fast forward to now, and Gillespie is letting it fly-6.7 attempts per night-and still hitting at a strong 42.9% clip. That’s not just good shooting; that’s sustainable, high-volume production. If Bouyea can even approach that level of consistency, he’s got a real shot to stick around beyond this season.
But it’s not just about shooting. Gillespie’s game is more polished, more composed.
His ability to control tempo and make smart reads is still a level above Bouyea’s. That said, Bouyea is flashing signs of catching up.
In a recent matchup against the Denver Nuggets, head coach Jordan Ott gave him 15 minutes of floor time-the same amount as Jordan Goodwin, a player the Suns have clearly been high on.
Goodwin, who edged out Jared Butler for the final roster spot, has been a steady presence as a third-string point guard. But with Gillespie moving up the depth chart in the absence of Jalen Green, Bouyea is now pushing Goodwin for that backup spot. That’s not just internal competition-it’s a sign of a healthy roster.
And credit where it’s due: General Manager Brian Gregory continues to find value on the margins. If Bouyea becomes the next developmental success story, it’s another feather in the cap for a front office that’s quietly building a deeper, more resilient team. These are the kinds of moves that don’t make headlines in November but matter in the postseason.
If Bouyea keeps trending upward, the Suns may have found themselves another hidden gem. And if that happens, don’t be surprised if Phoenix finds itself back in the playoff mix sooner rather than later.