Breakout Candidate Emerges
The Phoenix Suns continue to bank on internal improvement, building continuity amongst the coaching staff, and franchise player Devin Booker returning to the scoring heights he was at three seasons ago. One of the players that carries hope for breaking out in the 2026-27 season is Collin Gillespie, who is already coming off of an incredible first full campaign in Phoenix.
Gillespie, 27, set the single-season record for three-point field goals made in a season for the franchise, while seamlessly standing in as a starting player due to injuries that persisted for regular starter Jalen Green. The hope is that the Villanova product will continue his upward trajectory in lieu of earning a four-year, $48 million contract over the offseason.
What Happened?
Gillespie's player profile points to a well above-average NBA player - even at this moment. The 6'3" guard consistently generates clean looks, is one of the most versatile offensive guards off the bench in basketball, and manages to be one of the most turnover-averse players in his own right. The portability, shotmaking, and sheer underrated playmaking chops already set Gillespie up to continue improving heading into his fourth NBA season.
Why It Matters for Phoenix Suns
Historical precedence lends further credence to this notion. Isaiah Thomas, Payton Pritchard, and Jalen Brunson are examples of guards of a similar ilk to Gillespie that saw massive rises in statistical output with higher volume - this is just within the last 15 years. Each of these players took advantage of increased opportunity, but each also honed into strengths that made them dangerous players to begin with.
What Comes Next?
Gillespie must advance his three-point shooting marksmanship, while remaining a pesky defender and a player that is rather mistake-averse in general. There's undoubtedly areas of Gillespie's game that he can continue to improve upon as well. The guard is in the 10th percentile in free throw rate in the NBA as of the 2025-26 season. There has to be more avenues in head coach Jordan Ott's offense to draw up opportunities for Gillespie to attack the lane.
Recent Form
The Phoenix Suns have been struggling, with a recent form of 0W-0D-5L (LLLLL, most recent first) and a last result of 122-131 against the Oklahoma City Thunder on 2026-04-28.
The guard is in the 10th percentile in free throw rate in the NBA as of the 2025-26 season. There has to be more avenues in head coach Jordan Ott's offense to draw up opportunities for Gillespie to attack the lane. He also has to become more comfortable playing alongside fellow teammates that are expected to take leaps forward themselves, including second-year center Khaman Maluach. Gillespie also must remain a pesky off-ball defender that creates turnovers and avoids costly fouls.
There's no reason to believe that the established Sun cannot take another step forward if he leans into what he does best while also slightly improving weaknesses. With a four-year, $48 million contract, Gillespie is expected to take his game to the next level and become a key player for the Phoenix Suns in the 2026-27 season.
