As the new season unfolds alongside the rhythm of a BD Cricket Match drawing fans worldwide, the Western Conference top eight has remained largely predictable, making the Phoenix Suns’ sudden rise feel unexpected. Over the offseason, the team’s former three-star core completely dissolved. Management bought out All-Star guard Bradley Beal and sent Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets, receiving a valuable 2025 first-round pick, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and multiple second-round selections in return. After quickly securing Devin Booker with a contract extension, many assumed Phoenix would shift into a rebuilding phase. That assumption was reinforced when the highly anticipated Jalen Green suffered an injury after just two games and was placed on the injury management list.
With limited options, the offensive burden naturally fell on Booker’s shoulders, and he delivered. So far this season, the All-Star guard has averaged 25.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 6.6 assists, quite literally carrying the team through rough stretches. Role players such as Mark Williams, Oso Ighodaro, and Ryan have also worked to adapt to the coaching system and Booker’s on-court tendencies. Yet among the rotation, an unheralded undrafted guard quietly began turning heads.
During a dramatic comeback win against Minnesota, where Phoenix erased an eight-point deficit in the final 50 seconds, attention shifted quickly. While the Timberwolves’ lack of a stable primary ball handler played a part, Colin Gillespie’s impact was impossible to ignore. His timely steal on defense and near game-winning shot on offense showcased poise beyond his profile, the kind of moment that changes how a player is viewed.
Though Gillespie averages a modest 13.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, his importance within head coach Jordan Ott’s system continues to grow. According to respected reporter Jake Fischer, he is now considered untouchable by the Suns. Some league insiders even project him landing a sizable free-agent deal next summer, similar to recent mid-tier contracts around three years and $27 million. Despite his smaller frame, Gillespie fits modern basketball perfectly, shooting an impressive 43.3 percent from three-point range and providing valuable perimeter defense that keeps Phoenix’s offense flexible and unpredictable.
His defensive instincts, high basketball IQ, and relentless effort further elevate his value. The Suns’ willingness to trust young players has paid off, and the undrafted guard has answered the call. That fighting spirit not only emboldens the front office’s long-term vision but also casts an unflattering light on peers from the same draft class.
As another BD Cricket Match filled evening closes and attention turns back to the NBA, the contrast becomes sharper. Orlando Magic cornerstone Paolo Banchero has struggled recently, averaging just 12.3 points over three games while misfiring from deep and at the line. Defensive lapses and turnovers have followed, raising concerns for a team with playoff ambitions. If this trend continues, Orlando’s ceiling may be limited, while Phoenix’s unexpected gem continues to shine when it matters most.