The Athletic’s Fred Katz wrote about 10 players who have made giant strides in at least one element of their games. It should come as no surprise that Suns guard Collin Gillespie made the cut for his list of 10 players.
His First Team featured Jalen Duren, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jaylon Tyson, Ajay Mitchell, and Neemius Queta. The Second Team included Collin Gillespie, Ryan Rollins, Keyonte George, Anthony Black, and Peyton Watson. It is quite a list of emerging young talent around the association, and Gillespie deserves to be in the mix with his breakout season.
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Not only is he getting national attention, but he is on the verge of breaking the franchise’s single-season three-point record. He is now just six threes away from tying Quentin Richardson, and seven away from holding the record to himself with nine games left on the schedule.
His snippet on Collin Gillespie, who he had on the Second Team, can be found below.
Collin Gillespie, guard, Phoenix Suns
“The Suns live in a perpetual state of too many point guards or not enough point guards. Either they have Goran Dragić, Eric Bledsoe and Isaiah Thomas, or they are wedging Bradley Beal into running the offense.
Coming into this season, they were closer to the latter.
Jalen Green, who’s not a distributor but will dance with the basketball, was out. Beyond Devin Booker, there wasn’t much creation. So, the burden fell on three guys: Grayson Allen, who has handled the rock more than ever; Dillon Brooks, who was a contender to make one of these two teams; and Gillespie, the most surprising player on one of the league’s most surprising squads.
Coming into 2025-26, Gillespie had played as many minutes in the G League as he had in the NBA. Now, he’s fourth in the league in 3-point makes.
His spot-up shooting is an intuitive fit alongside Booker. Confidence has been built in the process. If Gillespie notices a sliver of daylight, he’ll hoist a long ball. He’s gone from riding benches to running first units. And the Suns are better off for it.“
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 12: Collin Gillespie #12 of the Phoenix Suns rebounds the ball against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 12, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s always interesting to get a national perspective on our players. And more specifically, an overarching, big-picture blurb on the Suns’ guard rotation. As noted above, his role entering the season was not certain, given the core trio of Booker, Green, and Allen. He has quickly inserted himself as not only a key piece but a staple. Dillon Brooks tabbed him as “Villain Jr.” during preseason, seeing the edge and grit he played with during practice and camp. It has certainly translated to the NBA regular season as well.
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One of my bold takes entering the season was that Collin would emerge as a legitimate 6th MOY candidate. It sounded homerish and ridiculous at the time to some, but now, he’s played himself OUT of it entirely by starting too many games to even qualify. His emergence has been fun to track, and it’s a reminder of why it’s important to take a shot on developing young(ish) talent.
Gillespie will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and his return must be a priority for this front office.