Josh Primo Released by Spurs; Guard Says He's Stepping Away to Focus on Mental Health

The San Antonio Spurs have decided to part ways with Josh Primo, the 12th pick in the NBA draft.

RC Buford, CEO of Spurs Sports and Entertainment, hopes that the decision will serve the best interests of the organization and Joshua.

A statement was provided to the sports network by the man.

Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn

Josh Primo statement to ESPN in the aftermath of his release from the Spurs tonight: pic.twitter.com/H1n3k3IIcn

According to the team's remarks, no members of the Spurs organization will speak further on the move at this time.

During his first season, the 19-year-old averaged 5.8 points on 37.4 percent shooting and 2.3 rebound in 19.3 minutes per game. He played in 50 games.

Over 23.3 minutes per game, the former Alabama star averaged 7.0 points on 34.6% shooting, 4.5 assists and 3.3 rebound.

He came off the bench for each of the Spurs' first four games but was listed as out on the injury report for San Antonio's most recent game. Tim MacMahon spoke about it.

Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahon

The Spurs were listing Josh Primo on the injury report as out due to “Left Glute; Soreness” https://t.co/RA9pZkeizu

Some people provided commentary on the situation.

Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn

Josh Primo was the youngest player in the 2021 NBA Draft when selected 12th to the Spurs. His on-court development absolutely had the organization excited about his NBA future. Waiving Primo so abruptly without explanation is fairly unprecedented -- and jarring.

Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears

Josh Primo is a great young talent. Scores easy. Just 19 years old. Spurs had been developing this kid. The small market Spurs don’t just drop a player like that unless something detrimental happened off the court. Not sure what. Coach Pop declined comment. Very odd situation.

Bobby Marks @BobbyMarks42

It was just 2 weeks ago that San Antonio exercised the 3rd year (2023-24) team option for Josh Primo.He is under contract for $4.1M and $4.3M.

He is eligible to be claimed with room or an exception but a team will have to do its diligence on why the 19-year old was waived.

Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA

NBA executives are very shocked by the Spurs’ decision to waive Josh Primo, and they wonder what could’ve happened behind the scenes.

“I’m sure there’s more to the story,” says one NBA general manager.

Marks added notes on the waiver claim order for more information on the next destination.

Bobby Marks @BobbyMarks42

Waiver claim order is based on the final 2021-22 regular season standings.

That gets adjusted to the current standings starting on Dec. 1. https://t.co/fOHpdBJlWt

The Houston Rockets were the worst team in the NBA last year, followed by the Magic, Pistons, Pacers, and OKC.

On Saturday, the Spurs will host the Chicago Bulls.