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As we’ve noted multiple times since the start of the season, Miami Heat two-way player Yante Maten has shined as arguably the best front-court prospect in the G League. Currently, the 6’8 forward is averaging 26.4 points, 10 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.4 blocks on 61% from the field and 41% from beyond the arc on 3.6 attempts per game.
While Maten has played to the level where we named him as the G League’s Player of the Month for December, he hasn’t been the only two-way player on the Heat that has shined at the G League level. The other Heat prospect is former Michigan forward Duncan Robinson, who has shined as a tremendous offensive weapon for Sioux Falls. In 24 games with the team, the 6’8 forward has averaged 19.9 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists on 51% from the field and 48% from beyond the arc in 9.3 perimeter attempts per game.
Among players that have shot more than 4 perimeter jumpers per game, Robinson stands as the 2nd most efficient perimeter shooter in the G League. The only player that has been a better shooter is LA Clippers rookie Jerome Robinson, who has shot a jaw-dropping 50% from beyond the arc in 12 games with the Agua Caliente Clippers of Ontario.
Most of the Heat two-way player’s made perimeter shots have come through the catch-and-shoot. His success in that area has a lot to do with how he’s mastered the art of being able to quickly in his position with his upper and lower body facing the rim.
That preparation is huge as Robinson is able to put up a smooth jumper just milliseconds after receiving a pass. While he’s been fantastic in every single area, this shot chart shows that Robinson does the majority of his work on the left and right-wing. Fortunately, he’s been a great perimeter threat in either end as he’s shooting 48% on the left and 53% on the right elbow.
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Unsurprisingly, Robinson’s great perimeter shooting has made a huge impact on the Skyforce’s offense. Currently, the Skyforce’s offense are seven points per 100 possessions better when he’s on the court (113.1 points per 100) compared to when he’s on the bench (105.9 points per 100). With Robinson’s consistent shooting and only missing six games this year, his impact has pushed the Skyforce to currently stand with a 20-10 record and stand as the G League’s top offense as they’re averaging 111.7 points per 100 possessions.
At this point in the season, that great play hasn’t led to the two-way player getting playing time with the Heat as Robinson has only played 29 total minutes at the NBA level. While that lack of time with the Heat is disappointing, his consistent time in the G League should excite fans throughout Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Those fans will have a chance to see the sharp-shooting forward on Friday night when the Skyforce will head to the brand-new 76ers Fieldhouse to play the Delaware Blue Coats.