Collin Gillespie’s season took an unfortunate turn as the Valley Suns guard sustained a right ankle fracture in his G-League debut. This injury will keep him out of action for at least four weeks, significantly delaying his role development after a promising preseason with Phoenix.
After joining the Suns on a two-way contract in July, Gillespie was poised for steady growth in the G-League. Known for his grit and sharp floor awareness developed at Villanova, the young guard showcased his potential by averaging 9 points over five preseason games on impressive shooting percentages (51.9% FG, 42.9% from three). This performance drew comparisons to classic playmakers, stirring intrigue about his future.
Gillespie’s injury occurred just two minutes into his first game with the Valley Suns, in which he had already logged 5 points. Originally labeled a sprain, further evaluation confirmed a fracture, sidelining him through at least mid-December. Valley Suns head coach John Little described him as a “tough kid,” optimistic about his recovery, but the fracture’s severity means a cautious approach for his return.
Though the Suns’ NBA rotation won’t be affected immediately, Gillespie’s absence could affect Phoenix’s depth down the line. His progress in the G-League was meant to prepare him for future call-ups, and the team will now wait a little longer to assess his potential impact.
