Mention the name Collin Gillespie in The Valley these days and you are sure to evoke a smile from everybody around you. That's how important he has been to the Phoenix Suns already this season, and his impact shows no signs of slowing down having been promoted to the starting lineup.
Jamaree Bouyea could be next Gillespie in Phoenix.
Finding the next Gillespie would be a massive coup for the Suns, because it would mean unearthing another diamond who can play a large role on both ends of the court, all while earning a minimum salary. Jamaree Bouyea has the chance to be that player.
Bouyea was picked up on a two-way deal midway through November, and has already been given a chance to impress. That was Gillespie's route onto the roster last season, tearing it up in the G League and making the most of his minutes with the Suns when given the opportunity.
Handed out some much needed upgrades today on https://t.co/qjQDNMFcWu!
Some of the players on the rise: Jamaree Bouyea, Caleb Love, Moussa Cisse and Spencer Jones 📈
Go check out the full database to see how your favorite team's prospects are ranked! pic.twitter.com/nlgg37rvEs
— Finn Kuehl (@finleykuehl) November 30, 2025
He also had to contend with the dumpster fire that was head coach Mike Budenholzer fighting for his job and trying to win games with Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal on the roster, yet he still found ways to contribute. It has been easier or Bouyea, but he is still taking his chance.
Since joining he's averaged over 10 minutes per game, while the 54.5 percent he shot from deep is outrageous, but did come on a little over two attempts each night. That is another parallel with Gillespie however, who took 2.7 last season and converted on 43.3 percent of them.
These days he's taking a massive 6.7 each night, yet the output (42.9 percent) has remained relatively the same. If Bouyea could replicate this sort of shooting, then there is no doubt he will be kept around beyond this season. There's more than just some hot shooting going on here however.
Gillespie remains the smarter player whose ability to influence a game is miles ahead of Bouyea, but he is showing flashes. In the recent loss to the Denver Nuggets, head coach Jordan Ott trusted him to play 15 minutes. The same amount as Jordan Goodwin, who this franchise clearly love.
Goodwin beat out Jared Butler for the final roster spot this season, and has been exactly what this franchise needs as the third string point guard. Only with Gillespie getting promoted in the absence of Jalen Green, it is Bouyea who is pushing Goodwin hard for that backup spot.
To have found another player who could yet follow the same trajectory as Gillespie is incredible, and is the latest feather in the cap of General Manager Brian Gregory. If they keep improving the roster around the fringes like this, the Suns will be back in the playoffs before you know it.