What the Suns final two candidates for head coaching job mean

Ishbia and Gilbert are individually a part of two of the biggest mortgage lender companies in the world, with the Suns owner slightly edging for the top spot. The month-long coaching search was filled with dozen of stellar candidates that will all make outstanding future head coaches in the NBA. However, the field narrowing to two candidates from the same team of the owners biggest rival could’ve been an intentional choice.

When Ishbia initially bought the Suns, all but one team approved the sale, that being the Cavaliers who abstained the voting process. The decision to pry one of his rival’s top assistants could be a way for Ishbia to get some revenge on Gilbert.

While the mortgage rivalry goes deeper, Ishbia’s ties to his alma mater goes much farther. The 45-year-old attended and played basketball at Michigan State and continuously gives back to the university. Ishbia relationship to the Spartans continue with his ownership with the Suns, as he hired former Michigan State assistant Brian Gregory to be the new general manager.

And now with the head coaching search nearing the end, one of the finalists received his masters as a Spartan in Ott. The final two candidates have been decided on Gregory and his staff, with Ishbia only taking part in the final two interviews. However, Ishbia’s respect for Michigan State could’ve played a part in Ott making it to the final round in the head coaching vacancy.

The final verdict will be made at the end of the week after Ishbia meets with Bryant and Ott in Michigan. Each of the candidate are qualified to try and revive the franchise from an embarrassing 36-46 season last year.