{"id":320341,"date":"2026-06-26T06:10:14","date_gmt":"2026-06-26T06:10:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/320341\/"},"modified":"2026-06-26T06:10:14","modified_gmt":"2026-06-26T06:10:14","slug":"miami-heat-sign-elite-rim-protector-after-nba-draft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/320341\/","title":{"rendered":"Miami Heat Sign Elite Rim Protector After NBA Draft"},"content":{"rendered":"

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MIAMI, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 08: Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra reacts against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at Kaseya Center on October 08, 2025 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

On Wednesday evening, Arnas Sakenis did not get picked in the 2026 NBA<\/a> Draft.<\/p>\n

Sakenis is coming off a season where he averaged 8.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per contest while shooting 63.7% from the field in 32 games for Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.<\/p>\n

Miami Heat Sign Elite Rim Protector After NBA Draft\"\"\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

GettyAustin Rapp #22 of the Wisconsin Badgers shoots against Arnas Sakenis #34 of the SIUE Cougars during the second half at Kohl Center on November 17, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin.<\/p>\n

According to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald, the Miami Heat<\/a> are signing Sakenis.<\/p>\n

Jackson wrote:<\/a> \u201cThe Heat has added 7-1 Arnas Sakenis to its summer league program. Was 11th in the nation in blocked shots per game (2.34) for Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Heat has added 7-1 Arnas Sakenis to its summer league program. Was 11th in the nation in blocked shots per game (2.34) for Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.<\/p>\n

Sakenis had spent all four seasons of his college career playing for Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.<\/p>\n

Social Media Reacts To Signing\"\"\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

GettyArnas Sakenis #34 of the SIU Edwardsville Cougars blocks a shot by Emanuel Sharp<\/a> #21 of the Houston Cougars during the second half in the first round of the NCAA Men\u2019s Basketball Tournament at INTRUST Arena on March 20, 2025 in Wichita, Kansas.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what people were saying about the news:<\/p>\n

Andrew Basketball:<\/a> \u201cCongratulations @sakenisarnas1 on getting a chance to live out your dream! Truly a young man the epitomizes what hard work, grit and commitment to excellence can lead to!\u201d<\/p>\n

@IsaacBourne_:<\/a> \u201cOVC NEWS: Arnas Sakenis will play for the Miami Heat in the NBA Summer League, his agency announced on IG. The 7\u20191 big man looks to earn a roster spot alongside NBA stars Giannis Antetokounmpo<\/a> and Bam Adebayo<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n

@HeatDiehards<\/a>: \u201cUpdated Miami HEAT\u2019s Summer League roster: Ryan Conwell<\/a> (Drafted) Tre Donaldson<\/a> (Two-Way) J\u2019Vonne Hadley (Undrafted) Trey White (Undrafted) Keyshawn Hall (Undrafted) Arnas Sakenis (Undrafted) Nate Kingz (Undrafted) Myron Gardner Jahmir Young<\/a> Vlad Goldin Trevor Keels\u201d<\/p>\n

@JJCregier:<\/a> \u201c@OVCSports Defensive Player of the Year Arnas Sakenis. Will play for the Miami #HEAT, during #NBA Summer League. The #Andrew alumni, is the program leader in blocked shots at #SIUE . Last season he averaged 8.8 points and 4.9 rebounds per contest in 32 games (28 starts.) #Heat\u201d<\/p>\n

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GettyArnas Sakenis #34 of the SIU Edwardsville Cougars blocks a shot by Emanuel Sharp #21 of the Houston Cougars during the second half in the first round of the NCAA Men\u2019s Basketball Tournament at INTRUST Arena on March 20, 2025 in Wichita, Kansas.<\/p>\n

Sakenis will be an extremely intriguing addition to the Heat\u2019s Summer League team.<\/p>\n

They will be one of the most watched teams going into the 2026-27 season.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tBen Stinar<\/a> Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years.\u00a0
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\nHe has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n

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