Just as Collin Gillespie was poised to make an impact with the Phoenix Suns‘ G League affiliate, the Valley Suns, his season took a sudden and unfortunate turn. The two-way guard, who had made waves with the Suns earlier this season, was forced to leave the game in the first quarter after suffering a right ankle fracture during his debut with the Valley Suns last Friday. The injury, which occurred early in a 133-118 loss to the Santa Cruz Warriors, is expected to keep Gillespie sidelined for at least a month.
The Injury: A Tough Break for Gillespie
Gillespie’s debut with the Valley Suns was highly anticipated. The former Villanova standout, who went undrafted in 2022, was hoping to make a statement after joining the Suns’ roster. However, things took a tragic turn when he suffered the ankle fracture just a few minutes into the game. Gillespie had already made a strong start, scoring five points on his first two shots, before being forced to leave the court and not return.
The Phoenix Suns quickly issued a statement on the injury, confirming the severity of the issue:
“Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie will be out with a right ankle fracture. He will be re-evaluated in four weeks.”
This news comes as a major setback for Gillespie, who was just starting to find his footing after a challenging start to his professional career.
Gillespie’s Journey: From Undrafted to NBA Champion
Gillespie’s path to the NBA has been anything but conventional. After going undrafted in 2022, the Pennsylvania native signed with the Denver Nuggets as a free agent. Over the past two years, he split time between the Nuggets and their G League affiliate, the Grand Rapids Gold. Despite limited minutes, Gillespie’s persistence paid off when he made his NBA debut during the 2022-23 season.
In 24 games with the Nuggets, Gillespie averaged 3.6 points, 1.1 assists, and 0.9 rebounds. His strong work ethic and basketball IQ earned him a spot on the Nuggets’ roster as they made their run to the NBA Championship. Gillespie was part of the Nuggets’ title-winning team in 2023, a crowning achievement in his young career, even if he didn’t play a significant role in the Finals.
Now, after signing with the Phoenix Suns in the offseason, Gillespie was hoping for a fresh start and more consistent playing time. His early performance with the Suns seemed promising, as he knocked down a three-pointer in his lone NBA appearance this season in a win over the Dallas Mavericks on October 26.
A Setback, But Not the End
Gillespie’s injury will certainly be a tough blow for both him and the Suns, especially given the timing. Having made a name for himself with the Nuggets, the 25-year-old was looking forward to contributing to the Suns in what could be a breakout year for him. While the four-week re-evaluation period puts a pause on his immediate plans, this injury is by no means the end of his NBA aspirations.
For now, Gillespie will focus on his recovery, which will hopefully allow him to return to the court in a month’s time. In the meantime, the Suns will rely on their other depth players as they continue their season, and the Valley Suns will need to adjust without one of their brightest young talents.
The G League season will provide Gillespie with the opportunity to refine his game and continue his development, especially when he gets back on the court. The experience of playing for the Valley Suns was an important next step in his journey, and although this setback stings, it could ultimately lead to greater things once he returns healthy.
Looking Ahead: What Does the Future Hold for Gillespie?
Despite this frustrating injury, Gillespie’s future in the NBA still holds promise. He has already proven himself as a reliable contributor in limited minutes and was part of a championship-winning squad with the Nuggets. If he can fully recover from this ankle injury and return to form, the Suns’ investment in him could pay off in a big way.
For now, Collin Gillespie will sit and wait, but given his work ethic and perseverance, there’s little doubt that he will be back—and ready to make a lasting impact. Whether with the Suns or another team, this is far from the last we’ll hear of the former Villanova star.
The NBA has seen many players rise from adversity, and with the right recovery, Gillespie’s story is far from over. For now, Suns fans—and basketball fans everywhere—will be hoping for a speedy recovery as they eagerly await his return to action.
