Unlocking Collin Gillespie: Why the Phoenix Suns are Misusing Their Secret Weapon

The start of the 2026-27 NBA season has been a rollercoaster for the Phoenix Suns. While headlines have focused on the team’s collective struggle to find rhythm, one specific narrative is emerging beneath the surface: the underutilization of Collin Gillespie.

After a breakout performance last season, Gillespie entered this year with high expectations and a substantial four-year, $48 million contract. However, the results on the court haven’t mirrored the investment. But is this a decline in skill, or a failure in coaching strategy?

The Numbers: A Telling Decline in Efficiency

A quick glance at the stat sheet reveals a concerning trend. Through the first 10 games, Collin Gillespie is averaging 7.2 points and 4.4 assists. While these numbers might seem decent in a vacuum, the context tells a different story:

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• Scoring Drop: His points per game have plummeted by nearly five compared to last season.
• Three-Point Slump: He has dropped from a lethal 40.1% from beyond the arc (on 7.2 attempts) to a struggling 31.7% (on 6 attempts).
• Reduced Role: His average time on the floor has shrunk from 28.5 minutes to just 24.2.

For a player signed to be a cornerstone of the rotation, this production is simply unacceptable. However, the fault may not lie solely with the player.

The Roster Puzzle: Why the Fit is Off

The current roster construction under Head Coach Jordan Ott seems to actively work against Gillespie’s strengths. To excel, Gillespie needs spacing—something that is currently lacking.

Sharing the court with players like Dillon Brooks and Miles Bridges has created a congested offensive environment. These players don’t provide the necessary gravity to open up lanes for Gillespie’s elite passing and shooting. Even when paired with Ryan Dunn and Khaman Maluach in high plus-minus lineups, the synergy isn’t fully optimized to highlight what makes Gillespie a threat.

The Solution: A Bold Move for Coach Jordan Ott

The most logical solution is a shift in the starting lineup. While some suggested he could replace Grayson Allen, Gillespie’s defensive limitations at multiple positions make that a risky bet. Instead, the ideal move would be inserting Collin Gillespie in place of Jalen Green in the starting five.

By moving him into the starting role, the Suns could stabilize their playmaking and allow Gillespie to dictate the tempo of the game from the tip-off. Currently, using him as a bench spark to fix a lopsided rotation is a waste of his specific skill set.

Returning to the “Villain Jr.” Mentality

Beyond the offense, there is the defensive identity. Last season, the Suns were a defensive nightmare for opponents, and Gillespie was central to that grit—earning him the nickname “Villain Jr.” from teammate Dillon Brooks.

Gillespie thrives when surrounded by bigger defenders who can shut down elite scorers, allowing him to play the role of the “pest”—chasing and disrupting opposing point guards. However, with the Suns currently languishing as one of the five worst defenses in the NBA, Gillespie’s defensive impact is being neutralized.

Final Thoughts

The Phoenix Suns were right to bring back Collin Gillespie, but they have changed the ecosystem around him. For the team to regain its winning ways, Coach Ott must stop trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. The sooner Gillespie is placed in a position to succeed, the sooner the Suns will start climbing the standings.