Canadian guard Josh Primo hints at mental health issues after being waived by Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs waived Canadian guard Josh Primo on Friday, surprisingly cutting ties with the No. 12 pick in the 2021 NBA draft.

The 19-year-old 6-foot-6 guard from Toronto had averaged 7.0 points in four games this season while battling minor injuries.

“It is our hope that, in the long run, this decision will serve the best interest of both the organization and Joshua,” Spurs Sports & Entertainment CEO RC Buford said.

The Spurs would not offer any further details on what led to Primo’s dismissal.

In a statement Friday night, Primo indicated he would be seeking treatment for mental health issues.

“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,” he said in a statement to ESPN. “I hope to be able to discuss these issues in the future so I can help others who have suffered in a similar way.”

San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich arrived a half hour after his scheduled pre-game media session and only minutes after the Spurs released the statement of Primo’s waiver.

“We’re going to stick by what we told you,” Popovich said.

Primo averaged 5.8 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists in his rookie season with the Spurs after playing one season at Alabama. He started 18 games, and at 18 years, 300 days became the youngest player in league history to appear in an NBA game after going to college.

Primo missed most of this pre-season with an MCL sprain. San Antonio exercised the third-year team option on the Canadian just two weeks ago.