The Phoenix Suns have added former NBA guard and NCAA champion Mateen Cleaves to their staff as a player development and leadership assistant, the team confirmed Friday.
Cleaves, a longtime Michigan State standout who won a national title in 2000, joins a restructured organization under owner Mat Ishbia. He is expected to bring his experience as a player and motivational leader to Phoenix’s locker room and development programs.
Before joining the Suns, Cleaves worked alongside Ishbia at United Wholesale Mortgage beginning in 2019 as a leadership development coach. He later led the company’s leadership development team and became known for his popular “Mateen’s Motivational Tuesday” series.
Cleaves also previously worked as a Detroit Pistons studio analyst for Fox Sports Detroit and owns the record label All Varsity Entertainment, showcasing his versatility beyond basketball.
His new role in Phoenix aligns with Ishbia’s stated vision of reshaping the franchise’s culture after a disappointing 36-win campaign last season. The Suns have already overhauled their front office and coaching staff this offseason, hiring Jordan Ott as head coach and Brian Gregory as general manager.
Cleaves, 47, will work closely with Ott’s coaching staff and the front office to mentor players and help instill accountability, according to the team’s announcement. His experience as a championship-caliber leader is viewed as a valuable addition to a roster aiming for a turnaround.
Phoenix enters the 2025–26 season following a seven-team trade that sent Kevin Durant out and brought in Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and several draft assets.
