By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
In a very unexpected move that took the NBA world by surprise, the San Antonio Spurs waived guard Josh Primo, the 12th overall pick of the 2021 NBA Draft.
“It is our hope that, in the long run, this decision will serve the best decision of both the Spurs organization and Joshua,” said Spurs CEO RJ Bufford, per the club’s announcement that was released to an hour before the tipoff of the team’s game vs. the Chicago Bulls. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich declined to say anything when asked to comment on the 19-year-old player getting released.
Two weeks ago, the Spurs had exercised the third-year option on the rookie deal that Primo signed last year.
Primo, 19, made the following statement to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski: “I know that you are all surprised by today’s announcement. I’ve been seeking help to deal with previous I suffered and will now take this time to focus on my mental health treatment more fully. I hope to be able to discuss these issues in the future so I can help others who have suffered in a similar way. I appreciate privacy at this time.”
The details behind the Spurs’ decision and whether Primo left the organization by mutual consent remain unclear. He was on the team’s injury list due to left glute soreness after his appearance in the first four matches of 2022-23.