Hey hoops fans, if you’ve been following the Phoenix Suns this season, you’ve probably noticed one name popping up everywhere: Collin Gillespie. His Collin Gillespie breakout performance 2026 has been the feel-good story of the year, turning an undrafted guard into a key contributor who’s helping Phoenix stay competitive in a stacked Western Conference. Whether it’s dropping career highs, joining rare historical company, or stepping up big when stars like Devin Booker are sidelined, Gillespie is proving that grit, shooting, and basketball IQ can take you far in the NBA.
This surge didn’t come out of nowhere. Gillespie’s journey ties directly into moments like the Suns vs Warriors February 5 2026 injury report and highlights, where his playmaking and deep shooting helped Phoenix pull away despite absences on both sides. Let’s dive into what makes this breakout so special, why it’s happening now, and what it means for the Suns moving forward.
Who Is Collin Gillespie? The Underdog Background
Collin Gillespie, the 26-year-old guard out of Villanova, entered the league the hard way—as an undrafted free agent. After a solid college career where he helped the Wildcats win a national title in 2018 (though injuries limited his later years), he bounced around the G League and even had a brief stint with the Denver Nuggets before landing with the Suns.
Last season, he was mostly on a two-way deal, grinding for minutes. Fast forward to 2025-26, and he’s signed a league-minimum one-year contract but exploded into a full-time role. Why the sudden leap? Injuries to key guards like Jalen Green (hip/hamstring) and Devin Booker’s ankle issues forced the Suns to lean on depth—and Gillespie seized the opportunity like few others could.
Think of him as the NBA version of that coworker who quietly crushes every project when the boss is out. No flash, just results.
The Numbers Behind the Collin Gillespie Breakout Performance 2026
Through about 50 games in the 2025-26 season, Gillespie is averaging around 13.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. He’s shooting 44.5% from the field and a scorching 43.5% from three on over 7 attempts per contest. That’s elite volume for a guy who was once a bench piece.
His minutes have jumped from 14 per game last year to nearly 28 this season, and he’s started 31 times. Over his last 10 outings before early February, he bumped those numbers to 18.0 points, 4.6 assists, and solid defense. In fantasy terms, he’s delivering top-50 value in nine-category leagues—impressive for someone many overlooked.
But stats only tell part of the story. Gillespie’s intangibles—hustle steals, smart passes, and clutch shooting—have kept the Suns afloat during tough stretches.
Standout Moments Defining the Breakout
The pinnacle? His career-night explosion against the Portland Trail Blazers on February 3, 2026: a 30-point, 10-assist double-double with 8-of-14 from three. He became just the third undrafted player in NBA history to hit 30 points, 10 assists, and eight threes in a game—joining legends like Jeremy Lin and Fred VanVleet. That performance sparked a comeback win and entered Suns record books alongside Devin Booker and Steve Nash for 8+ assists and 8+ threes.
Teammates weren’t shocked. Devin Booker said it best: “He’s caught a lot of people by surprise, but nobody in this locker room.” Gillespie’s confidence has snowballed, with multiple games of 20+ points and efficient shooting.
And then there’s the Suns vs Warriors February 5 2026 injury report and highlights. With Booker still out and Golden State missing Stephen Curry and others, Gillespie orchestrated the offense masterfully. He drained timely threes, set up teammates, and helped Phoenix build a comfortable lead (pulling ahead to around 90-76 late). His play in that gritty, depth-tested matchup showcased exactly why he’s become indispensable—calm under pressure, sharp from deep, and reliable in running the show.
It’s like he flipped a switch: from role player to the guy defenses have to game-plan for.
How Injuries Created the Perfect Storm for Gillespie’s Rise
The Suns’ injury woes—Booker’s ankle keeping him out multiple games, Green’s hamstring issues—opened the door wide. Coach Jordan Ott trusted Gillespie to handle primary ball-handling, and he delivered. His catch-and-shoot prowess (once leading the league early) stretched floors, while his improved pull-up game added unpredictability.
This mirrors classic NBA breakouts: opportunity meets preparation. Gillespie had been honing his craft in the G League for years. When the spotlight hit, he didn’t blink.
What This Means for the Suns and Gillespie’s Future
Phoenix sits at 31-20, fighting for playoff positioning in the West. Gillespie’s emergence has been a huge reason they’ve stayed resilient. He’s not just filling gaps—he’s elevating the team with winning plays.
Off the court, his contract year status looms large. Reports suggest he’ll command $10-15 million annually as an unrestricted free agent this summer. The Suns would be smart to lock him up—re-signing him feels like a no-brainer for continuity and depth.
Could he snag Sixth Man of the Year or Most Improved Player votes? Absolutely, especially if the hot streak continues.
Wrapping Up the Collin Gillespie Breakout Performance 2026
Collin Gillespie’s breakout performance 2026 is the perfect reminder that the NBA rewards persistence. From undrafted to franchise-record chaser, he’s become the Suns’ spark plug—shooting lights-out, distributing smartly, and stepping up in big games like the Suns vs Warriors February 5 2026 injury report and highlights. His story inspires: hard work turns “what if” into “watch this.”
If you’re not on the Gillespie bandwagon yet, hop on. This guy’s just getting started, and Phoenix fans are loving every minute. Keep an eye on him—the best might still be ahead.
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FAQs
What triggered Collin Gillespie’s breakout performance 2026 with the Suns?
Injuries to Devin Booker and Jalen Green gave Gillespie major minutes, and he capitalized with elite shooting and playmaking, averaging nearly 14 points and close to 5 assists.
How did Collin Gillespie perform in the Suns vs Warriors February 5 2026 injury report and highlights?
He was key in Phoenix’s victory, providing scoring from deep, assists, and steady leadership amid injuries on both teams, helping secure a solid home win.
What are Collin Gillespie’s key stats in his 2026 breakout season?
He’s posting 13.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 43.5% from three, marking a huge jump from prior seasons.
Is Collin Gillespie a candidate for awards in 2026?
Yes—his surge has him in conversations for Most Improved Player and potentially Sixth Man of the Year, thanks to his impact on winning.
What’s next for Collin Gillespie after his 2026 breakout?
As a free agent soon, he’s likely to land a big payday, with Phoenix hoping to retain him for his fit and chemistry with the core.
