Spurs commit 2 years, 11m to Dragan Bender.

The Spurs see potential in the Croatian big man.

After his option was declined by the Phoenix Suns, the Spurs traded for Dragan Bender - a talented tall shooter that hasn't quite realized his #4 Pick potential - and welcomed flashes of strong defense and potent scoring ability on the wing during the second half of the season and in the playoffs.

There were doubts that Bender would make a return to San Antonio, with rumors of interest from international teams and the recent acquisition of other raw prospect Jarrett Allen and veteran Timofey Mosgov filling the 5 spot.

However, Bender did a solid job at being the third string center in the mix with Kyle O'Quinn & Joakim Noah last season. With both of those players gone, Bender offers less of the unknown at the center spot. The loss of Skal Labissiere at the four position also means more playing time there, given the similarly new arrivals of Taurean Prince & P.J. Tucker.

The second year of Bender's contract is reportedly a team option.