Collin Gillespie is why I'm watching the Suns this season

A column in advance of the Phoenix Suns’ 2026–27 season argues that Collin Gillespie is the player drawing the most attention on the roster, based on his uncommon rise and rapid impact. Gillespie went undrafted from Villanova in 2022 after five college seasons, spent three straight years on two-way contracts, and then received a standard Suns deal once healthy enough to join the rotation. The piece notes that a leg injury limited most of his rookie year, keeping him to bench minutes and modest statistics. It describes a fast turning point with a 30-point game versus Portland in February and a game-winning jumper over Minnesota with 6.4 seconds remaining. By season’s end, he broke the Suns’ franchise record for made threes by hitting 232 in 58 starts and 80 games, with career highs of 12.7 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.1 rebounds. The article also explains his “Villain Jr.” nickname tied to a defensive identity highlighted in offseason remarks.