It has been no shock to Collin Gillespie about what he could do at the NBA level after a terrific college career. The five-year (Covid-year) was electric at Villanova, helping them win two Big East titles,
two Big East Player of the Year awards, and the 2022 Bob Cousy Award for best point guard in college basketball. He also won a national championship with the Wildcats.
He clearly showcased his scoring ability, but his defensive inconsistencies and size left him undrafted following the 2022 NBA Draft. This is where the Denver Nuggets took a shot but gave up early. Luckily, Phoenix saw the light at the end of the tunnel for Gillespie, and he has proved that in his short tenure in the Valley.
Signing a two-way contract last season, Gillespie had a lot to prove after the Nuggets had given up on him, and he delivered. With the Suns’ expectations falling faster than light speed and injuries piling up, they looked to Gillespie for some output. He delivered instantly, having a big game vs the Los Angeles Clippers, securing a win that many fans anticipated.
This was just the beginning for Gillespie; he continued to impress with the Suns. If you look back at this article I wrote talking about his fit alongside Devin Booker.
All of those wondrous workings have only excelled this season, with Gillespie not only thriving with Booker but in the time he is off the court, too.
The stats above show how important he has been to the Suns’ early success. With them having a 10-6 record that outdoes most people’s expectations, he has been a key part of their offense. With Jalen Green dealing with hamstring injuries, Gillespie has stepped up and delivered on all accounts.
That leads us to the latest update from Gillespie himself, talking about his future with Phoenix. Kellan Olson, who works for Empire of the Sun and AZSports, got this.
“I would like to be here long term,” Gillespie stated. “I want to be here.”
With this, I say it is music to my ears as he has been so vital to their identity. Gillespie can create on offense, whether for himself or others. Not only that, but he shows the hustle and tenacity the Suns want on the defensive end, someone who is a bulldog and is never going to give up. We have seen him translate into this impactful piece for the secondary unit.
That being said, Gillespie is still focused on this season and what this team can become now. This makes sense, and with the mentality he has always had. Dating back to his collegiate days, he would instill fear into opposing defenders and give a damn on the defensive end as well. That same player is coming alive right in front of our very eyes.
As someone who used to see him completely tear apart Seton Hall when I was a student, I give him all the credit and have seen the true potential he can have. I am just happy it is translating to the NBA as well!
Kellan also mentions in this tweet that the Suns do have the early Bird rights for Gillespie, allowing them to go over the cap to sign him. They will still have to pay the dead money from the Bradley Beal buyout, which will hinder them. That said, they are under both aprons now and have the flexibility to sell some contracts at this deadline to secure Gillespie, regardless of the key cost.
Final Thoughts
If you discover the diamond in the rough, you invest in him. That is the bottom line, and in this case, it does look like it will eventually happen, resulting in happiness not only for the fans and the front office but most importantly, Gillespie himself.
