It is a luxury for every point guard to have a reliable backup. They can lean on them for rest, an extra spark when sharing the court together, and even advice, as an extra set of high-IQ eyes can do wonders.
Unfortunately, Darius Garland doesn’t necessarily have that right now with the LA Clippers. Who can solve that? Collin Gillespie, a six-foot-one standout guard on the Phoenix Suns. He did have a breakout season, but in the playoffs, Gillespie has struggled, and because he’s an upcoming unrestricted free agent, Lawrence Frank should look to snag him off the market.
In fact, over two games lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Gillespie has averaged 7.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.0 turnovers, shooting 40.0% from the floor and 33.3% from beyond the arc.
Although the Suns are depending on him to produce, as he’s played a combined 52 minutes, Gillespie hasn’t, which screams he may not be re-signed by Phoenix once the postseason is over.
Collin Gillespie is a bench addition the Clippers need
Kris Dunn, as the only other real point guard on the LA Clippers’ roster, is by no means classified as championship-level depth. He’s solid on offense and has defensive strengths, but he has one too many flaws and is not a floor general. As a result, the Clippers won’t make it where they hope to be soon if a backup point guard isn’t added.
Who else better is there on the open market that could be brought in on a bargain contract than Collin Gillespie?
The Most Improved snub suited up for 80 of the Phoenix Suns’ 82 games, and logged 12.7 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.1 rebounds, shooting 40.1% from a distance on an absurd 7.1 attempts.
These numbers demonstrate availability, exceptional glass-crashing abilities, and effective three-point shooting, all of which the front office could easily address by sending Gillespie a reasonable offer.
Gillespie’s strongest attribute, though, is his game-changing impact. He can easily swing the momentum to his team’s side, and the Clippers saw it firsthand against the Suns just over a year ago, where the Villanova product was the closest thing to perfect in a two-point victory.
He is also the same age as Darius Garland, 26, making him a piece that can be incorporated into the long term.
That said, Gillespie should be pursued by any means necessary in free agency. He is great all around and has a difference-maker written all over him, something Garland needs in the second unit.
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