San Antonio Spurs release Derrick Byars

By Quixem Ramirez
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April 26, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Derrick Byars (34) is fouled by Golden State Warriors forward Chris Wright (33) while attempting a shot in the second quarter at ORACLE Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-US PRESSWIRE

The San Antonio Spurs released Derrick Byars yesterday, freeing up their final roster spot and shaving off $1.95 million off his non-guaranteed deal in the process.

Byars appeared in two games last season with the Spurs, averaging five points and 5.5 rebounds while shooting 27.3% from the field. He did succeed in his three year stint with the Bakersfield Jam in the D-League though; he averaged 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds while compiling an acceptable 14.9 PER.

The real benefit of the move, aside from cutting some unnecessary salary, is to allow James Anderson, Ryan Richards or another big man to earn the final roster spot, as Michael A. De Leon expounded on yesterday.

This move could also signal the chances that the Spurs want to give James Anderson another shot in     training camp after his impressive performance and work ethic in Vegas. It could also be a roster spot     cutting move in case they are looking to bring aboard a big man.

Byars finished as the 488th best player on ESPN’s NBA rank and should be able to earn a training camp invite on another NBA team.

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