Yante Maten Named Ridiculous Upside’s G League Player of the Month For December

From the time he first stepped on a G League court in early November, Miami Heat two-way player Yante Maten looked like an MVP-quality player for the Sioux Falls Skyforce. DUring the month of November, he averaged 25.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.5 blocks per game on 62% from the field and 31% from beyond the arc on 3.3 attempts per game.

While he was an inefficient perimeter shooter during that month, he was able to counteract that by just dominating in the paint by having a great low-post touch and a 240-pound frame that let him overpower opponents and allow him to grab a cornucopia of offensive boards. His play played a big role behind Sioux Falls heading into December with a league-best 9-2 record.

Despite his great play in November, the Heat decided to keep Maten in Sioux Falls throughout the entire month of December. Both G League and Skyforce fans were grateful for that as the 6’11 forward was maintained those similar averages while being more efficient. During that month, he put up 29.2 points, 11.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.4 blocks on 59% from the field and 47% from beyond the arc on 4.2 attempts per game. With his improved perimeter shooting,he maintained a nice 69% True Shooting Percentage during that month.

With his incredibly efficient perimeter shooting, Maten stood as one of the league’s more versatile offensive players as he was able to shine in the following ways: perimeter shooting, post-up, offensive rebounding, off-ball cutting, and on-ball driving.

Maten knack as a shooter and on-ball driver allowed him to be a lethal weapons as defenses really couldn’t figure out how to guard the Heat prospect. If the defender decides to sag off, they’ll be in danger of having the 47% perimeter shooter hit an open 3. However, closing in would give Maten the opportunity to use his solid first step to drive past the opposing defender and drive to the paint.

Maten’s offensive versatility unsurprisingly had a tremendous impact on the Skyforce. Per 100 possessions, Sioux Falls were 14 points better when he was on the court (112 points per 100) compared to when he’s on the bench (98 points per 100).

Yante Maten’s tremendous offensive efficiency combined with the impact that he made on the Skyforce’s offense has allowed the Heat two-way player the undeniable choice to be named as Ridiculous Upside’s NBA G League Player of the Month for December.