Collin Gillespie Struggles in Suns Season Opener
The Phoenix Suns guard recorded no successful field goals in his 21 minutes of play against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Basketball
Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie struggled during the team's opening game, shooting 0-for-8 from the field in 21 minutes of action. The Suns ultimately lost to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Why it matters
Gillespie is currently managing his workout intensity to combat fatigue and a shooting slump that affected his performance at the end of last season. He delayed the start of his offseason training by three weeks to facilitate his recovery.
Gillespie played 21 minutes in the season opener after averaging 28.5 minutes per game across 80 appearances last season. Over his previous two seasons combined, he played 57 total games with an average of 11.7 minutes per game.
The players
Collin Gillespie
Collin Gillespie is a professional basketball player for the Phoenix Suns.
Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns are a professional basketball team competing in the NBA.
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers are a professional basketball team competing in the NBA.
The details
Gillespie appeared off the bench for the Suns during the loss in Portland. He is now focused on balancing his physical workload to maintain performance throughout the upcoming schedule.
Timeline
October 24, 2026: The Phoenix Suns faced the Portland Trail Blazers in their season opener.
October 25, 2026: The Phoenix Suns host the Golden State Warriors for their home opener.
Season Trajectory
This early-season struggle follows a 2025-2026 campaign where Gillespie played 80 games and secured a consistent role in the rotation. His ability to bounce back will be critical for the Suns as they manage their depth throughout the current season.
Gillespie's limited production and poor shooting efficiency may lead to shifts in the Suns bench rotation for the upcoming home opener. Fantasy managers should monitor his playing time against the Golden State Warriors to see if he regains his previous efficiency.
The takeaway
Maintaining physical recovery is essential for players transitioning from high-volume seasons to new competitive demands. Players who adjust their training schedules often face a period of recalibration when returning to game speed.
Further reading
For more analysis on team rotations and player development, visit Basketball.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Arizona Sports.
