Suns Discover New Energy with Gillespie’s Emergence Before Playoffs

Phoenix, Arizona — The Phoenix Suns are finding their rhythm as they approach the final stretch of the season with under 20 games remaining, thanks to some internal adjustments following a trade earlier this year.

On February 6, the Suns made headlines by acquiring Vasilije Micic and Cody Martin from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Jusuf Nurkic. This move left many fans confused, as it seemed to promise more significant changes to a struggling roster. However, with injuries depleting their lineup, the Suns turned to younger players to step up, leading to a revitalized performance.

Collin Gillespie, a two-way player previously with the Denver Nuggets, has emerged as a key contributor. Since stepping into a starting role for the past three games, the Suns have gone 3-0, and Gillespie recorded a season-high 13 points in their victory over the top-seeded team in the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics.

“Energy, a lot of pace, trying to create turnovers,” Gillespie said after practice, emphasizing his focus on contributing to the team’s success. “I’m going to exhaust myself and then if I need a breather, they’ll probably get me out of the game. But when I’m out there, I’m going to play hard.”

Gillespie’s performance as a starter stands in contrast to Tyus Jones, who struggled to find his place in the rotation. Critics have noted that having both Jones and star Devin Booker on the floor simultaneously has led to stagnant offensive strategies. Gillespie, in contrast, excels as an off-ball player, enabling Booker to take on more responsibilities as a facilitator.

“Since becoming a starter, Gillespie has 13 assists to only one turnover,” noted commentator Evan Sidery, further supporting the argument for Gillespie’s place in the starting lineup.

Tyus Jones has also adapted to a bench role, where he can lead the second unit effectively, benefiting from more opportunities to control the pace of play without the burden of sharing the court with other primary playmakers.

Gillespie’s influence has been felt not just through his scoring but also his defensive tenacity. He routinely contributes by hustling for rebounds and assists, complementing the Suns’ veteran core of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, who have had to step up more significantly with Bradley Beal sidelined due to a hamstring injury.

“Collin is doing a great job competing on both ends of the floor,” head coach Mike Budenholzer said, acknowledging Gillespie’s significant impact since joining the starting five. “He has brought the kind of defensive energy this team desperately needs at this point.”

Faced with a playoff push, the Suns must make a crucial decision regarding Gillespie’s future. Currently on a two-way contract, he needs to be waived to secure a standard contract that would make him eligible for postseason play. As the season winds down, this becomes an urgent matter.

With the Suns currently positioned in the tenth seed in the NBA Western Conference, securing a playoff spot depends on the contributions of every player, especially young talents like Gillespie.

“It’s been a surreal experience for me after just battling through injuries and trying to find my way,” Gillespie reflected on his recent success. “But the most important part is we’re winning games.”