The Miami Heat have announced the official signing of undrafted rookie Khem Birch on Sunday.
Initial reports earlier this month had indicated that the Heat would be signing the former UNLV player in time for training camp. Birch has been on their radar for some time, having worked out for the team before the NBA Draft.
The 6-foot-9 power forward played six games for the Washington Wizards in the 2014 Summer League averaging 5.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.17 blocks and 19.3 minutes.
In his final season at UNLV, he averaged a double-double in 32 games with 11.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.76 blocks, 1.2 assists and 31.4 minutes per game as a junior. He won the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year award while earning All-Defensive Team and All-Mountain West Second Team honors.
Birch faces long odds of making the final roster, with the team having recently signed veteran journeyman Shawne Williams and undrafted rookie Shawn Jones. Former Heat draft pick James Ennis is also expected to retain a spot on the regular season roster.
With Birch's signing, the Heat have 17 players under contract.
You can follow Surya Fernandez on Twitter @SuryaHeatNBA or email him at SuryaFoxSports@gmail.com.
