The Suns have a sneaky weapon on a two-way contract in Collin Gillespie.

Welcome to the 2024-25 Phoenix Suns Season Preview series, where we embark on a comprehensive journey through the roster. In this series, we’ll break down individual player previews, offering a detailed look at each member of the Suns’ lineup. We’ll recap their performance from last season, highlighting key moments and areas of growth, and analyze how their skills, experience, and roles will contribute to the team’s championship aspirations.

Whether it’s the seasoned veterans or the rising stars, each player has a unique role in what could be a defining season for the franchise. Join us as we explore the potential and challenges that lie ahead for the Suns in their pursuit of basketball glory.

Last up…

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Collin Gillespie

Point Guard, 6’1”, 195 lbs., 25 Years Old, 1 Year of NBA Experience

2023-24 Recap

Collin Gillespie finished the 2023-24 season with the Denver Nuggets. He split time with Denver and their G League affiliate, where he put on a show. Gillespie suffered a lower left leg fracture in the summer of 2022 and has worked his way back since.

He was a member of Denver’s 2023 NBA Championship team, though he did not appear in a game as he recovered from that left leg fracture.

In Denver, Gillespie appeared in 24 games during his rookie season. He averaged 9.4 minutes, posting 3.6 points, 1.1 assists, and 0.5 steals per game. His season-high of 18 points came against the Blazers last February.

He shot 15-for-38 (39.5%) from three-point range and 46% overall from the field. He has shown some flashes of being a capable backup point guard in the NBA, now it’s about piecing it together.

During his time in the G League, Gillespie put up gaudy numbers and showcased that he was too good to be there. Gillespie averaged 20.4 points, 10.8 assists, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.0 steals in 12 G League games for Grand Rapids last season on a 45/40/90 shooting split.

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Contract Details

The Suns signed Gillespie to a two-way contract with the Suns on July 2nd, 2024.

Denver declined his $1.87 million qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent.

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Strengths & Weaknesses

Let’s start with his strengths. Gillespie is a floor general with elite court vision and spatial awareness. He is a Villanova Wildcat through and through. The ability to run an offense, make smart decisions, and space the floor is what he brings to the table.

He has all the ingredients to become a useful backup point guard who can thrive in leading second units and play alongside just about any group. He has the basketball IQ and intangibles mixed with that crafty “plays older than he is” type of game that coaches love.

His weaknesses are similar to any undersized point guard.

Teams will target him on that end of the floor, it is a certainty. He is stands just 6’1”, and weighs in at 195 pounds. He is a smart team defender and pesky on-ball guy, but the lack of size can and will be exposed. He isn’t the biggest, strongest, or most athletic guard and doesn’t have the best wingspan. Physically he is lacking what you’d like from an undersized guard to be blunt.

How will he be able to handle the physicality on his attacks to the rim? Offensively has his strengths, but even those will be tested with rigors of the NBA environment and personnel. His dominance of the G League bodes well for him, because that’s what NBA players should do in that environment.

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One Key Factor

Opportunity is everything. When he initially signed, it looked like he might be able to crack the rotation occasionally. Now, with both Monte Morris and Tyus Jones locked in, he’s buried on the depth chart.

Being a leader, taking care of the ball and knocking down open shots will give him minutes if he gets a chance. In perfect world (for the Suns) he rarely touches the court because their key guards stay healthy. But if that moment comes, if he can make quick (good) decisions and knock down open looks, there will be a role for him.

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Prediction Time

Gillespie finds himself on a team that is now suddenly loaded with point guards (and combo guards) so it will be difficult for him to crack the rotation barring an injury or two.

Injuries will happen at some point, and he will get a look. It’s tough to predict how long that will be and if he sticks, but it’s important to remember how grueling an 82-game season is. Saben Lee played heavy minutes for the Suns last season, for example, something that was not in their plans on opening night.

I think he’ll appear in 10-15 games this season with limited minutes depending on health and whatnot. Long-term, I still really like his fit as the Suns’ eventual backup point guard.

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Final Thoughts

Gillespie will likely spend time learning the system and developing with the Suns coaching staff. The hope is to develop him into a capable backup point guard, especially if one (or both) of Tyus Jones and Monte Morris bolt for better contracts after rebuilding their value this season.

Don’t be surprised if he gets an opportunity that he runs with it. This is the two-time Big East Player of the Year, and NCAA Championship in 2018, afterall. He also won the 2022 Bob Cousy Award given to the best point guard in the country. The pedigree is there…. now it’s about finding his opportunity.

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