On Monday, the Denver Nuggets re-signed former All-American Collin Gillespie to a two-way contract, according to the official NBA transactions page.
Gillespie went undrafted last year after five seasons at Villanova. He missed last season after suffering a leg fracture and ankle dislocation at a Villanova team practice in July 2022. He spent the year on a two-way contract while recovering from the injury.
However, the 24-year-old is healthy again and back on the court.
He was a full participant in summer league, averaging 7.8 points, 4.6 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 2.4 steals on 30.2% shooting from the field in five games. He scored in double figures twice, including a summer league-high 16 points on July 9.
The Collin Gillespie comeback story.
Two minutes here of him talking about what happened with his injury last season, where he’s at now, and what he learned in between.
Excited to see him back on the floor for the Nuggets during Summer League. pic.twitter.com/2gU9EiH93D
— Katy Winge (@katywinge) July 4, 2023
Gillespie was named a third-team All-American during the 2021-22 season after averaging 15.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists and one steal as a fifth-year senior. He finished as the all-time program leader in games played (156) and the No. 12 scorer with 1,858 points.
The organization opted to keep him last year despite the injury and believes he has a bright future ahead. He is said to be a favorite of head coach Michael Malone and will finally have the opportunity to showcase his abilities next season.
He will split his time between the Nuggets and Grand Rapids Gold in the G League. He is eligible to spend no more than 50 games in the NBA and will earn a flat salary equal to 50% of the minimum salary applicable to a player with zero years of service.
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 tag=650261292]