The Phoenix Suns' Rise to Prominence, Led by a Local Product in Collin Gillespie
As the NBA's second half begins, the Philadelphia 76ers are set to face off against their surprising playoff contender counterparts, the Phoenix Suns. What was once expected to be a rebuilding year for the Suns has turned into a season of thrilling basketball, thanks largely to the efforts of first-year head coach Jordan Ott and his team of players.
One player who has emerged as a major contributor to this success is Collin Gillespie, a local product from Villanova University. The 26-year-old guard has been instrumental in the Suns' hot start, with his shooting being a key factor in their success. His catch-and-shoot numbers have led the NBA throughout the Suns' winning streak, and he has gotten better at taking audacious pull-up threes as the season progresses.
Gillespie's rise to prominence is largely due to his hard work and dedication on the court. He has always been known for his grit and smarts, which have served him well in the NBA. His ability to shoot effectively from various spots on the court has made him a vital asset to the Suns' offense.
But what about the team's overall success? Mike Vigil, host of The Timeline Podcast, attributes it largely to their intense effort and intensity. "They play hard," he says. "I personally have fully flipped from 'this team wanted it more' being bad analysis to believing maybe it's the most important thing." The Suns seem prepared for every game at a high level, and it's clear that their players believe in Coach Ott.
The Suns' success has come as a surprise to many experts, who had predicted they would struggle without Kevin Durant. But instead, they've become one of the team's most delightful surprises this season. Will Gillespie's ceiling continue to rise? Only time will tell, but for now, he's an important contributor to the team's winning ways.
As for the Suns' limited development of Khaman Maluach, a 19-year-old center who was drafted by them in the 2025 NBA Draft, Mike Vigil notes that it's understandable given their slow pace. But with their expected level of play coming up, any lack of highs on the court when he does play may be magnified.
For the Suns' long-term success, Maluach's development is crucial, as Ott has already shown himself to be a skilled player developer. Given his massive size and frame, there is potential for him to become a top defensive player. But it will be an uphill battle, especially given he was the last lottery pick for the Suns for years.
As the Sixers face off against their surprising playoff contender counterparts, one thing is clear: Collin Gillespie is leading the way for the Phoenix Suns' surprising success this season.
As the NBA's second half begins, the Philadelphia 76ers are set to face off against their surprising playoff contender counterparts, the Phoenix Suns. What was once expected to be a rebuilding year for the Suns has turned into a season of thrilling basketball, thanks largely to the efforts of first-year head coach Jordan Ott and his team of players.
One player who has emerged as a major contributor to this success is Collin Gillespie, a local product from Villanova University. The 26-year-old guard has been instrumental in the Suns' hot start, with his shooting being a key factor in their success. His catch-and-shoot numbers have led the NBA throughout the Suns' winning streak, and he has gotten better at taking audacious pull-up threes as the season progresses.
Gillespie's rise to prominence is largely due to his hard work and dedication on the court. He has always been known for his grit and smarts, which have served him well in the NBA. His ability to shoot effectively from various spots on the court has made him a vital asset to the Suns' offense.
But what about the team's overall success? Mike Vigil, host of The Timeline Podcast, attributes it largely to their intense effort and intensity. "They play hard," he says. "I personally have fully flipped from 'this team wanted it more' being bad analysis to believing maybe it's the most important thing." The Suns seem prepared for every game at a high level, and it's clear that their players believe in Coach Ott.
The Suns' success has come as a surprise to many experts, who had predicted they would struggle without Kevin Durant. But instead, they've become one of the team's most delightful surprises this season. Will Gillespie's ceiling continue to rise? Only time will tell, but for now, he's an important contributor to the team's winning ways.
As for the Suns' limited development of Khaman Maluach, a 19-year-old center who was drafted by them in the 2025 NBA Draft, Mike Vigil notes that it's understandable given their slow pace. But with their expected level of play coming up, any lack of highs on the court when he does play may be magnified.
For the Suns' long-term success, Maluach's development is crucial, as Ott has already shown himself to be a skilled player developer. Given his massive size and frame, there is potential for him to become a top defensive player. But it will be an uphill battle, especially given he was the last lottery pick for the Suns for years.
As the Sixers face off against their surprising playoff contender counterparts, one thing is clear: Collin Gillespie is leading the way for the Phoenix Suns' surprising success this season.
and it's all about the chemistry between the players and Coach Ott 
. Collin Gillespie is doing his part with those clutch threes 
, but let's not forget about Khaman Maluach - the future of the team depends on him 
. Slow pace might be an issue, but Ott's coaching skills are top-notch 
. Can't wait to see how it all unfolds! 
! They've been on fire and it's amazing to see Collin Gillespie thriving in his role. I mean, who would have thought a guy from Villanova would become a key contributor to an NBA playoff contender? 
He's like the ultimate underdog story.
), but the whole team's effort and intensity is what's making them successful.
. With Coach Ott at the helm, I think he has a good chance of becoming a top defensive player. Fingers crossed he can build on his potential and become a key piece for the Suns' long-term success! 
and it's not just about him, the whole team has come together to make this happen. coach ott's got them playing hard and smart, and that's what's making all the difference. i'm hyped for the game against the 76ers, gotta see how gillespie takes on joel embiid 
I mean, who wouldn't want to watch him sink threes left and right? 
But seriously, what's impressive is how he's risen through the ranks. His work ethic and smarts are definitely paying off.
He's done an amazing job turning this team around. The way Mike Vigil said it - "They play hard" - that's just so true! 
If they can keep this momentum going, we might just have a surprise playoff run on our hands. 
I don't know, maybe I'm overthinking this whole thing...
That Collin Gillespie kid is on fire 
. And I'm intrigued by Khaman Maluach, he's got potential to be a beast 
... but yeah, it'll be interesting to see how he develops, especially if they want to stay in contention for long 
. Seriously though, Collin Gillespie has been a game-changer for the team - his shooting range is insane and it's not uncommon to see him lighting it up from beyond the arc 
. And let's not forget about Coach Ott - he's been a mastermind behind the scenes, making some incredible adjustments and calls that have really paid off for the team 
. He's got all the makings of a top defender, but like Mike Vigil said, it's going to take time and patience 
. The Sixers are gonna have their work cut out for them when they face off against these guys! 
has me intrigued, especially with a local product like Collin Gillespie taking center stage 
.
. However, I'd love to see more consistency from Khaman Maluach 
. With a talented young big man like him on the roster, you expect them to be making an impact now rather than later.
. Will they remain a top contender once Kevin Durant's contract comes due? Can Gillespie continue to elevate his game without becoming a liability 
anyway, Gillespie's actually pretty impressive, I'll give him that. his shooting numbers are on point, but what really gets me is how the article barely mentions any other players on the team 
and his smarts on the court aren't going unnoticed either, coach ott is doing a great job of getting the most out of his players 
The Suns are on fire and it's all thanks to Collin Gillespie! I mean, who would've thought a Villanova alum would become the go-to guy for their offense? His hard work and dedication on the court are paying off big time. 
they really seem to believe in themselves and its paying off. but for real though, khaman maluach needs to step up his game if the suns wanna be a top contender long term 
.
. Fingers crossed he can prove all the doubters wrong and become a top-tier center!
!
and it's all because of that rookie center Khaman Maluach. Like, I know he's got potential but let's be real, 19 years old is no joke in the NBA. He's gotta step up his game ASAP or else he'll just become a benchwarmer. And don't even get me started on Gillespie, he's like the ultimate hype man 
. Everyone thinks he's some kind of genius shooter but I bet he's just lucky and will fade away once people realize they're not that good. And yeah, Coach Ott is doing a great job but it's all because of his past experience and not because of any real game plan or strategy. The Suns are just relying on their team's heart and soul to carry them through the season, which will inevitably lead to disappointment 
. If Ott can crack that code, though? Watch out NBA!