DENVER – On a Summer time League roster brief on NBA expertise, it’s good to have a man like Collin Gillespie.
“He’s a professional already,” Nuggets assistant and Summer time League coach Ryan Bowen mentioned Saturday after the squad’s first follow. “He’s clearly achieved it at a excessive degree.”
Bowen’s roster, which performs its first recreation Friday in Las Vegas, options one participant with NBA expertise, Johntay Porter. The youthful brother of Nuggets ahead Michael Porter Jr. performed in 11 video games with the Grizzlies two seasons in the past. Bowen mentioned it’s good to have a couple of different guys which have performed in Europe and the G League.
“That can clearly assist, however these guys are younger,” Bowen mentioned. “They’re going to must determine it out.”
Gillespie, who’s anticipated to signal a two-way contract with the Nuggets within the coming days, can assist with that. He was Jay Wright’s place to begin guard for his closing 4 seasons at Villanova, averaging 15.6 factors and making 41.5% of his 3-pointers final season. His school profession, which began with the 2018 nationwide championship, ended within the Ultimate 4 this spring. Now, he’s out to point out he’s able to be the following within the lengthy line of former Wildcats to carve out profitable NBA careers.
“These guys discover their roles and discover the place they’ll slot in,” Gillespie mentioned. “Mine’s simply type of going to be controlling the tempo of the sport, making open pictures, making sensible selections, not turning the ball over. That’s one thing I attempt to do day by day.”
A pre-draft exercise in Denver and dinner with members of the teaching employees and entrance workplace that evening allowed Gillespie to showcase the tangible and intangible features of his recreation. Whereas he went undrafted, Gillespie did sufficient for the Nuggets to have some safety.
“It was simply good vibes all the way in which. We’ve constructed connections and relationships,” Gillespie mentioned of his pre-draft go to.
“I type of knew the evening earlier than that if I wasn’t going to get drafted, I had a very good alternative to return right here.”
Bowen mentioned it was evident the 6-foot-3 level guard performed at a profitable school program, as Denver’s Summer time League squad spent its first follow largely enjoying pickup. Christian Braun, the twenty first total choice within the draft, rated Gillespie’s impression equally.
“He’s only a winner,” Braun mentioned. “He is aware of learn how to play. He is aware of learn how to do all of the little issues. Actually good level guard, does every little thing the proper approach.”
The Nuggets gained’t have anybody from final season’s squad on the Summer time League roster. However Bones Hyland participated in follow to provide the blokes an thought of what the tempo of an NBA recreation appears like. On Day 1, Gillespie seems to have held his personal.
“I don’t suppose we’ve to fret how he’s going to slot in with the tempo and pace,” Bowen mentioned. “He’s been nice to have round. We’re fortunate to have him.”
Nuggets Summer time League Roster
Teddy Allen, 6-6, New Mexico State
Adonis Arms, 6-5, Texas Tech
Christian Braun, 6-6, Kansas
Marcus Burk, 6-3, IUPUI
Manny Camper, 6-7, Siena
Collin Gillespie, 6-3, Villanova
Kellan Grady, 6-3, Villanova
Kevarrius Hayes, 6-9, Florida
Drake Jeffries, 6-5, Wyoming
Ismael Kamagate, 6-11, France
Matt Mitchell, 6-6, San Diego State
Mbay N’Diaye, 6-8, Senegal
Jontay Porter, 6-10, Missouri
Peyton Watson, 6-8, UCLA
Jack White, 6-7, Duke
Bryce Wills, 6-6, Stanford
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