Collin Gillespie, the 6-foot-1 point guard for the Phoenix Suns, has scripted one of the NBA’s most inspiring underdog stories.
Prior to carving out a role in The Valley, Gillespie was an undrafted free agent trying to latch on to the NBA and find a team. Now, he’s a key rotation piece, turning things around in just three seasons.
As of this writing, Gillespie is averaging 13.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists through 58 games in the Suns’ 2025–26 campaign, underscoring his rise. What’s more, Gillespie has become a reliable spark for a Suns squad aiming to make a dent in the highly competitive Western Conference.
Gillespie first rose to prominence at the collegiate level playing for the Villanova Wildcats, even averaging 15.6 points, 3.8 assists, and shooting 41.5% from three in his final year. His leadership and sharpshooting made him a college legend, but scouts overlooked his size and athleticism, leaving him undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Unfazed, Gillespie signed a two-way deal with the Denver Nuggets but suffered a devastating leg fracture that sidelined him for his entire rookie year. He debuted in the 2023–24 season, appearing in 24 games and firing 3.6 points per contest. He showed flashes of his college form but struggled for consistent minutes behind Jamal Murray.
Released by Denver, Gillespie next joined Phoenix on a two-way contract in 2024, splitting time with the G-League’s Valley Suns. The young man’s breakthrough came in the 2024–25 season, where he played 33 games and averaged 5.9 points on 43.3% shooting from deep.
Finally earning a standard deal, Gillespie has exploded this season by pairing tenacious defense (1.4 steals) with elite three-point shooting (42.0%) and playmaking to prove that undrafted gems can shine bright.
With Phoenix pushing for playoffs, Gillespie embodies resilience—a no-name turned contributor who’s just getting started.
