The Phoenix Suns have discovered a gem in Collin Gillespie, the undrafted guard who has transformed from a forgotten prospect into one of the NBA's most compelling success stories this season. What began as a modest $2.3 million one-year contract has blossomed into a career renaissance that's reshaping how the Suns compete in the Western Conference.
From Sidelines to Stardom
Gillespie's path to relevance reads like a Hollywood script. After going undrafted in 2022, he signed a two-way contract with the Denver Nuggets, only to suffer a devastating fractured leg during offseason workouts that sidelined him for the entire 2022-23 season. He watched from the sidelines as Denver claimed its first championship, a painful reminder of how quickly NBA dreams can evaporate. The Nuggets eventually let him go despite his strong G League performance, a decision that now looks like a monumental miscalculation.
Phoenix's gamble on Gillespie has paid dividends beyond anyone's expectations. The 26-year-old Villanova product is averaging
career-highs of 12.7 points, 5.0 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals while shooting an impressive
43.9% from the field and 42.9% from three-point range across 26.4 minutes per game.
Recent Explosive Performances
Gillespie's impact has intensified dramatically in recent games. Against the Oklahoma City Thunder, he posted
career-highs of 24 points and six three-pointers, leading six Suns players in double figures and nearly orchestrating an improbable comeback from a 15-point deficit. Just days later, he erupted for
28 points with 8 made three-pointers in a dominant victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night, showcasing his ability to take over games when it matters most.
His recent promotion to the starting lineup—initially filling in for injured Grayson Allen—has revealed another dimension to his game.
Gillespie has scored 20-plus points in each of his last two starts, cementing his role as far more than a bench contributor.
The Suns' Cultural Fit
What makes Gillespie's emergence particularly significant is how perfectly he embodies the
cultural transformation owner Mat Ishbia has demanded from the organization. His energy, toughness, and relentless competitiveness have resonated with teammates and coaching staff alike. Head coach Jordan Ott has praised his "pace," "intensity," and winner's mentality, describing him as someone who "just never stops" and comparing him to an "Energizer Bunny."
The Suns currently sit at
12-9, positioning them seventh in the Western Conference and on track for a play-in tournament appearance against the Golden State Warriors. While Devin Booker remains the franchise centerpiece, Gillespie's consistent production has been instrumental in stabilizing a roster that underwent significant changes during the offseason.
The Contract Bargain
Perhaps most remarkably, Gillespie remains one of the
league's cleanest bargains at just $2.3 million for the season. As he approaches unrestricted free agency next summer, the Suns face a critical decision about retaining their unlikely star. Each strong performance increases his market value, but Phoenix will almost certainly prioritize keeping him in the fold.
The Nuggets' decision to let Gillespie walk now appears as one of the offseason's biggest oversights, especially as Denver continues searching for reliable backcourt depth. Meanwhile, the Suns have unearthed not just a productive player, but a symbol of organizational resilience and smart roster management.
Gillespie's story serves as a reminder that in the NBA, redemption is always possible for those with the right combination of talent, determination, and opportunity.
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Basketball Insiders - Collin Gillespie's Rise From Undrafted to Essential2.
SSB Crack - Collin Gillespie's Breakout Season Ignites Phoenix Suns Playoff Hopes3.
The Sports Leader - Collin Gillespie Emerging as Force for Suns with Nuggets Next4.
Burn City Sports - Dillon Brooks and Collin Gillespie Go Off for Suns in Victory
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3. Suns may have just found the next Collin Gillespie
4. Suns' Collin Gillespie: Back with first unit
5. The Latest Collin Gillespie News
6. Collin Gillespie emerging as force for Suns with Nuggets next
7. Dillon Brooks and Collin Gillespie go off for Suns in victory ...
8. Collin Gillespie Postgame Interview after scoring 28 points
