Following a stellar G League season, Georgia’s Yante Maten made his NBA debut vs. the Philadelphia 76ers. He followed his debut with a 12 minute appearance vs. the Brooklyn Nets, where he scored his first career points. Tom Crean. who was attending the game to watch Dwyane Wade’s last career game, got a chance to see Maten’s first major action:
While Mark Fox coached Yante Maten, Crean was still glad to get a chance to see Maten make his next steps in the NBA.
Before debuting, Maten agreed with the Heat on a standard, two-year contract extension worth up to $3.1 million, per Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports. The Heat signed Maten long term with his two way contract expiring. Maten put up excellent numbers in the G League (23 pts/game & 9 rebounds/game).
Perhaps more telling is the fact the Heat let go of established NBA veteran Rodney McGruder to make room for Maten. Giving up an important roster spot to make room for Maten shows they value him and expect him to develop further.
