Collin Gillespie’s NBA journey is the kind of story that reminds you why persistence still matters in professional basketball.
Undrafted in 2022, Gillespie entered the league without guarantees, bouncing between opportunities and grinding his way through the G League. He spent time with G League affiliates of both the Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets, learning how thin the margin is between being on the roster and being out of the league altogether. Nothing was handed to him — every minute, every contract, every chance had to be earned.
That mindset followed Gillespie to Phoenix last season, where he quietly began laying the foundation for what has turned into a breakthrough year. In July, the Suns rewarded that work by signing him to a one-year, $2.3 million veteran minimum deal. At the time, it barely made headlines. Now, it looks like one of the smartest low-risk moves the organization made.
In his third NBA season, Gillespie has emerged as a legitimate rotation piece for a Suns team dealing with injuries and constant lineup changes. Originally penciled in as a backup guard, he’s been thrust into bigger minutes — and even a few starts — and hasn’t flinched. Instead, he’s produced.
Gillespie is averaging nearly 14 points per game, more than doubling his previous career high from last season. He’s not just filling space on the floor; he’s making plays that matter. That includes a career-high 28-point performance in a win over the Los Angeles Lakers and a clutch game-winning shot against Minnesota — moments that instantly elevate a player’s credibility in a veteran locker room.
What’s stood out most is how prepared he’s been for the opportunity. According to Devin Booker, Gillespie’s rise hasn’t surprised those inside the organization.
“He’s been putting in the work all summer,” Booker said. “Everybody is just now seeing it. But we’ve been seeing it in open gyms. We’ve been seeing it in practice. So I’m happy for him that he’s gotten to show the world what he’s capable of doing.”
That preparation shows up in Gillespie’s poise. He plays under control, knocks down shots, defends, and understands his role — traits that don’t always show up in box scores but matter deeply on a team with championship aspirations. He doesn’t try to do too much, yet he’s confident enough to take — and make — big shots when his number is called.
For a Suns team navigating injuries and the grind of a long season, Gillespie has become a stabilizing presence in the backcourt. His story is a reminder that not every contributor arrives with hype or lottery-pick expectations. Some earn their place through patience, work, and seizing the moment when it finally arrives.
Collin Gillespie went undrafted. He went unnoticed. Now, in Phoenix, he’s proving he belongs — and making sure nobody overlooks him again.
