The Phoenix Suns are facing a critical juncture in their season as they strive to secure a position in the playoffs. Currently sitting at the 11th seed in the Western Conference, the Suns are just a half-game out of the play-in tournament. With a recent record of 4-1 over their last five games, the team is making a late push to turn their season around.
One of the key figures in this resurgence has been Collin Gillespie, who was recently promoted to the starting lineup following an injury to star guard Bradley Beal. Gillespie has quickly made an impact, scoring a career-high 22 points in the Suns’ latest matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, although the team ultimately fell short, losing 124-109.
Despite the loss, Gillespie's performance has sparked conversations about his future with the team. Currently on a two-way contract, he is ineligible to participate in the playoffs unless the Suns convert his deal to a standard contract. However, this would require the team to waive another player, leading to speculation about who might be on the chopping block.
Monte Morris, a backup point guard signed in the offseason, has struggled to find his footing this year. After joining the Suns, he faced stiff competition from newly acquired starter Tyus Jones. Morris has only played five games since February 1, primarily due to injuries and a reduced role in the rotation. While his hustle and experience could provide valuable depth in the playoffs, his limited contributions make him a candidate for waiving.
Another potential casualty could be Damion Lee, who returned to the Suns this season but has not made a significant impact. After signing a one-year deal, Lee's time on the court has been limited, often relegated to garbage-time minutes. The Suns value his veteran presence, especially given his championship experience with the Golden State Warriors, but his lack of playing time may force the team to make a tough decision.
Vasilije Micic, acquired in the trade for Jusuf Nurkic, is also under scrutiny. Despite being healthy, he has struggled to find a role within the team and is currently earning just under $8 million. With interest from Euroleague teams, the Suns might consider waiving Micic if they believe they can enhance their roster by bringing Gillespie on board.
In their recent game against the Timberwolves, the Suns had a mixed performance. After a tough start, they found themselves trailing 57-45 at halftime. Kevin Durant and Julius Randle exchanged baskets in the first quarter, but the Suns struggled to maintain their energy and execution, leading to five turnovers early in the game. Devin Booker had one of his worst nights of the season, finishing with only 10 points and four turnovers, which further hindered the team’s offensive flow.
As the game progressed, the Suns fell behind by as much as 22 points in the third quarter, showcasing a lack of defensive intensity. Although Gillespie shot well, the team as a whole struggled to match the Wolves’ physicality, particularly in the paint, where they were outscored 40-20. The Suns’ reliance on three-point shooting kept them in the game for a while, but ultimately, it was not enough to overcome the deficit.
Looking ahead, the Suns will need to regroup quickly as they prepare to host the Houston Rockets on Sunday, March 30, 2025. With only eight games left in the season, every match is critical for their playoff aspirations. The team must address their recent struggles and find a way to capitalize on their strengths if they hope to secure a spot in the postseason.
As the Suns navigate this crucial stretch, the decisions they make regarding their roster could have a significant impact on their playoff chances. Converting Gillespie's contract could provide the team with the boost they need, but it will come at a cost. Fans will be watching closely to see how the organization handles these challenging choices.
In summary, the Suns are at a turning point in their season. With Collin Gillespie's emergence as a key player and the looming possibility of roster changes, the team must find a way to harness their potential and push for a playoff berth. The upcoming game against the Rockets will be a crucial test as they aim to turn their fortunes around and keep their playoff hopes alive.
