Phoenix Suns head coach Jordan Ott knew before the season that Collin Gillespie would be a part of the rotation (averaging 11.2 PPG/5.7 RPG/1.3 APG/1.3 SPG/0.8 BPG/1.3 TOV/1.3 PF/42.9% FG/50.0% 2-PT/40.5% 3-PT/66.7% FT/25.8 MPG in six games off the bench).
(via Phoenix Suns):
Reporter: “You’ve talked about Collin a lot, but was there a time in training camp or maybe even before when you realized that, ‘Hey, he’s gonna be a big part of what we’re doing?’”
Ott: “Good question. I think when I got the job, the positive momentum behind Collin was real. I could feel it from everyone. I think his end of the season last year, I remember coming here last March and I think he hit two big ones, two big shots in March. But I’ve known him from afar, especially from his college career. And anytime you have a guy that’s won at so many different levels, he’s just waiting for an opportunity. He’s an incredible worker, high character, goes about his business, not a rah-rah guy. He’s very similar to Grayson [Allen] in some ways just personalities-wise.
“He’s always going to be ready. Those guys put in a ton of work this summer. Every day they were in there: August, September. And as guys started trickling in or other guys were in our gym, those guys stood out. Those young guys stood out, and Collin was one of those guys. So I think it was before training camp if I’m honest, but it was also the end of last year probably created some momentum for him.”
