Even with the Suns struggling to start with a 1-4 record, there have been some bright spots on this team. For a squad battling injuries, two guys have risen to the occasion, showing their true potential
in the NBA and on outstanding contracts with the Suns. These two players have also demonstrated that not only can they thrive individually on this team, but also work as a great duo, which we have also seen early in the year.
You may be wondering who I am talking about, but if you have been watching, you would know who I am specifically referring to. That’s Collin Gillespie and Mark Williams.
Both players have proven themselves this season and demonstrated that they deserve a long-term contract. Gillespie is on a one-year deal after serving as a two-way player last season, stepping up in the face of numerous injuries. Williams is in the final year of his rookie deal, and since he was not given an extension, he will enter the free-agent pool next year as a restricted free agent. This puts them in a position to play guns to the wall and show all they have to the organization, so they can ensure that contract on a rising team that already has roles carved out for them.
So far this year, they have delivered in that department and only look to become more intriguing pieces throughout this season in this rotation. Colin has already impressed so much that you have fans and writers here (deservingly so) pushing for his start in this rotation with Jalen Green still recovering from his hamstring injury.
Regardless of which camp you are in for that discussion, it’s your own opinion, but he definitely has shown the case warrants the debate. To start this season, this is Collin Gillespie’s averages courtesy of Basketball Reference in the first five games.
Gillespie has been dominant to start the season so far, taking advantage of the minutes he has been given. He has risen to the occasion when needed, serving as the secondary ball handler alongside Devin Booker or initiating the offense on his own, as we saw last night against the Grizzlies. In that second quarter, Devin Booker was out for the first 5:27 into the second, and this is where Gillespie took off. The guard took control of the offense, scoring 10 of his 13 points with both of his assists in this short stint.
This is where fans once again saw that Gillespie was not a fluke from last season. That he has the heart and passion to fight on both ends, even if he is undersized at 6’1”, he is never going to give up on that defensive end, making those hustle plays. As a fan, and given the promise of this change in identity and culture, this is clearly evident in the play from Collin Gillespie and only makes me more excited about what he can become here in Phoenix.
Looking at some of his advanced stats on Databallr, we can see that what we see on the court is translating statistically. On the left are his stats in the last 40 games compared to the past 5. You can see that both his catch-and-shoot and pull-up three attempts are higher, with his pull-up three percentage also rising. His on-ball percentage is lower to start, as he has had more opportunities playing with Devin Booker, but with Jalen Green coming back, I see that rising as he will be the lead playmaker for the secondary unit. What this tells me is that Gillespie will be valuable offensively wherever he is and will only continue to grow here in Phoenix.
Gillespie had a career-high in assists the other night vs. the Utah Jazz, notching 13. This is just another great area to see the young guard grow, feeling out his comfort in the pick-and-roll, while also having the knack for making the extra pass on the perimeter for an additional three points. Here is an incredible stat showing his ability to work with the centers the Suns throw at him this year.
Gillespie has effectively leveraged his connections with each big man, yielding some impressive results for his teammates, especially Mark Williams.
Williams has seen his potential grow brighter and brighter since his debut, and that case has only been solidified with his recent two performances. His connection with Gillespie has been a significant factor in that success, but he has also shown he can be a threat without him.
Williams came into this year with his highest game total being 44, and the Suns wanted to change that, not only for the player’s benefit, but also to get a complete evaluation of him leading up to his free agency. With the Suns also having frontcourt issues over the past few years, they needed someone to bridge that gap for rookie Khaman Malauch to learn behind. The Suns have definitely gotten a good bluepring for Maluach in Williams here, as he leads the team, averaging 10 rebounds in only four games (remember, he missed the Denver game). Not to mention that he has had double-digit boards and led the team in rebounds in three of four of these contests.
This is all on a minute restriction, may I add. You were there when he came off the bench, besides vs. the Grizzlies, where he got his first start. Williams is proving to be the beast the Suns want on the boards and have desperately needed as well. So far, his averages are higher in his career, and this can only be a giant momentum swing for the big man this year. Even if fans want to complain about him not getting the start immediately, there are reasons for it, and for Williams, ramping him up this way was the best case, in my eyes.
This quote from Duane Rankin, courtesy of azcentral, shows that Williams also agrees that getting to this spot his now great and comfortable for him. He will only continue to blossom in my eyes on both ends for this Suns team, as they still struggle in some rebounding areas compared to last year.
As you can see, even with the small sample size for Williams, he has been better on the defensive glass, something the Suns do need help with. With him starting for the near future as well, I only see these numbers inflating and becoming more dominant in the future.
As you can see, the second-chance points (scoring and allowing them) have been an issue for this team, and this year, they are fixing it. Williams is also averaging 3.5 offensive rebounds, accounting for around 25% of the Suns’ offensive rebounds, proving that his patience on the glass and relentless effort not to give up on multiple attempts have been key.
The Suns have still struggled on the defensive boards, similar to last year, allowing opponents 19.8 second-chance points, ranking them 29th. They have struggled to control those possessions, but at least show growth in some areas. If you want to read more about Williams’ activity on the glass, check out this article I had from game one of the year.
Arguably, though, the best thing about both of these players is the great chemistry they have formed early on. With Williams starting off the bench, he and Gillespie made some early magic, and the numbers prove it. Once again, shoutout to Databallr for these stats, but this is how the Suns look with Gillespie and Williams’ numbers on and off the court.
As you can see, when Gillespie and Williams have shared the floor, even for 50 minutes, it results in an offensive rating of 126.4, a defensive rating of 105.6, and a net rating of +20.8. Just looking at that compared to when they are both off the court or one is there, it is a drastic difference. This team thrives with these two making plays for each other, and this connection will only grow throughout this year here in Phoenix! Clearly, they are difference makers and have both shown areas of growth from seasons past. We only hope this stays consistent, and I believe it is here.
