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

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.

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.

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.

The Phoenix Suns certainly wanted Duke big man Khaman Maluach as the first round unfolded June 25, and it seems the feeling was strongly mutual.

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.

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.