LAS VEGAS – The Phoenix Suns will continue the Michigan State connection with the addition of Mateen Cleaves as a player-development coach. Cleaves was at Phoenix’s practice on July 10 in Las Vegas, prior to the Suns opening NBA Summer League action on July 11 against the Washington Wizards at Thomas & Mack Center.

Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia is getting roasted this week over social media because of the team's latest hire.

The bond of the Michigan State Spartan family is once again well represented as former college basketball legend Mateen Cleaves was recently hired as a player d

The Phoenix Suns have hired former Michigan State national champion basketball player Mateen Cleaves as a player development coach, according to John Gambadoro, a radio host for 98.7 FM in Phoenix. It marks Cleaves’ first NBA experience since his retirement from the league in 2006.

Mat Ishbia will be the team’s governor, Justin the alternate governor. Suns coach Monty Williams said he didn’t want to comment until the move is official. 3.

The Suns have been at the end of several jokes because of all the ties to Michigan State within the organization. In addition to Ishbia and Gregory, new head coach Jordan Ott received his master's degree from Michigan State and was on Tom Izzo's staff as a video coordinator from 2008-13.

Mat Ishbia: GSEs acting ‘private’ in conservatorship could be best of both worlds . Jun 02, 2025 By Flávia Furlan Nunes. UWM will offer 5/1 ARMs for FHA and VA loans .

Ishbia, who graduated from MSU in 2003, recalled his commencement speaker was-Gov. Jennifer Granholm who spoke about public service and what graduates could do to help Michigan and the nation.

Ishbia won the NCAA championship with the Spartans (Image via Getty Images) As of December 21, 2022, Mat Ishbia's net worth is estimated at $4.9 billion by Forbes.

With the No. 10 pick, the Suns used it to bolster their frontcourt and selected Duke center Khaman Maluach. After being drafted by the Suns, Maluach shared an exchange he had with star guard Devin Booker the year before at the Olympics.