The San Antonio Spurs waived guard Joshua Primo in an unexpected move on Friday night.
“It is our hope that, in the long run, this decision will serve the best interest of both the organization and Joshua,” Spurs chief executive officer RC Buford said in a news release.
Primo subsequently issued a statement to ESPN: “I know that you all are surprised by today’s announcement. I’ve been seeking help to deal with previous trauma 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.”
Primo, 19, was the 12th overall selection by in the 2021 NBA Draft out of Alabama.
Earlier this month, San Antonio exercised a third-year team option on Primo’s rookie contract that would have kept him on the team through 2023-24.
Primo played in four games this season and averaged 7.0 points, 4.5 assists and 3.3 rebounds. Before being waived, he was on the team’s injury report, listed as having left glute soreness.
As a rookie in 2021-22, Primo played 50 games, including 16 starts. He averaged 5.8 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists.
–Field Level Media
