The Phoenix Suns made a strong showing in the offseason and signed Colin Gillespie to a one-year deal worth $2.3 million. We’re one-quarter of the way through the 2025-26 season, and Gillespie has already outgrown that contract. His hustle and energy off the bench is exactly what Phoenix needed, and what Matt Ishbia was talking about when he discussed the culture change.
Gillespie is averaging 12.7 points, 5.0 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game for the 12-9 Suns, shooting 43.9% from the field and 42.9% from three in 26.4 minutes. He is the team’s top scorer off the bench, and soon becomes one of their most important role players.
To think that three years ago, in 2022, Gillespie was undrafted. After the draft he signed a two-way contract with Denver, but suffered a fractured foot during offseason workouts. He missed the entire 2022–23 season, watching from the sidelines as the Nuggets won their first championship. Gillispie remained with Denver the following season, excelling in the G League, but the front office still let him walk.
It’s a good thing they did because it led Gillespie to the desert.
Collin Gillespie enjoying breakout season with Suns
By now you’d think people would know better than to doubt Villanova’s guards, especially after Gillespie slipped through the cracks with the Nuggets. Speaking of, Denver is looking for another backup point guard, a role that Gillespie could fill perfectly.
After an offseason full of change in Phoenix, Gillespie’s breakout couldn’t have come at a better time. He increases his value every time he steps on the court, but his current contract is very valuable. It’s uncertain what his status will be when he hits unrestricted free agency next summer, but you can bet the Suns are already thinking of ways to retain the 26-year-old.
If the season ended today (and there were still plenty of games left), Phoenix would host Golden State in the play-in tournament. If the Suns win, they will advance to the first round of the playoffs. There aren’t many people outside of Arizona who thought the team would finish seventh in the West. Devin Booker is the star of the show, but you can also thank Gillespie’s contributions for Phoenix’s status.
Hopefully, Gillespie’s time with the Suns won’t be limited to just two seasons. Jordan Ott loves to be around, as do his teammates and, of course, the fans.
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