It was an out-of-the-blue announcement, the San Antonio Spurs waiving Josh Primo, the No.12 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft and a rising star with the team.
Primo released a statement to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN saying he needed the break for his mental health.
Josh Primo statement to ESPN in the aftermath of his release from the Spurs tonight: pic.twitter.com/H1n3k3IIcn
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 29, 2022
“I know that you all are surprised by today’s announcement. I’ve been seeking help to deal with previous trauma I have 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.”
“It is our hope that, in the long run, this decision will serve the best interest of both the organization and Joshua,” Spurs CEO and player/personnel executive RC Buford said in a statement announcing the move.
Primo, 19, averaged 23 minutes a night for the Spurs and this season, pitching in 7 points a game. The young forward with point-forward potential has shown flashes of his skill as a ball-handling wing this season. Hopefully, he will get to a place where he is ready to return to the court.