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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)
On Wednesday evening, Arnas Sakenis did not get picked in the 2026 NBA Draft.
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.
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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.
According to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald, the Miami Heat are signing Sakenis.
Jackson wrote: “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.”
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.
Sakenis had spent all four seasons of his college career playing for Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Social Media Reacts To Signing
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’s Basketball Tournament at INTRUST Arena on March 20, 2025 in Wichita, Kansas.
Here’s what people were saying about the news:
@IsaacBourne_: “OVC NEWS: Arnas Sakenis will play for the Miami Heat in the NBA Summer League, his agency announced on IG. The 7’1 big man looks to earn a roster spot alongside NBA stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
@HeatDiehards: “Updated Miami HEAT’s Summer League roster: Ryan Conwell (Drafted) Tre Donaldson (Two-Way) J’Vonne Hadley (Undrafted) Trey White (Undrafted) Keyshawn Hall (Undrafted) Arnas Sakenis (Undrafted) Nate Kingz (Undrafted) Myron Gardner Jahmir Young Vlad Goldin Trevor Keels
GettyWICHITA, KANSAS – MARCH 20: Arnas 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’s Basketball Tournament at INTRUST Arena on March 20, 2025 in Wichita, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years. He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar