Baby Spur With veteran players largely gone from the Spurs’ current lineup, you have plenty of “Baby Spurs” to choose from. Just order one of their jerseys — 18-year-old Joshua Primo’s is a good choice — and complete the look by hanging a pacifier around your neck and holding a rattle. Photo via Instagram / spurs Credit: Instagram / Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs have waived Josh Primo,  the No. 12 lottery pick in the 2021 NBA draft.

The announcement comes as a surprise since Primo, 19, appeared to be taking on a significant role with the team. He also was the youngest player selected in last year’s draft.

The Spurs released a brief statement on the decision, and Coach Gregg Popovich declined further comment Friday ahead of the team’s game with the Chicago Bulls, according to media reports.

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

In a statement supplied to ESPN, Primo said he’s focusing on his mental health.

“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 mental health treatment more fully,” Primo said. “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.”

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This article appears in Oct 19 – Nov 1, 2022.

Sanford Nowlin is editor-in-chief of the San Antonio Current. He holds degrees from Trinity University and the University of Texas at San Antonio, and his work has been featured in Salon, Alternet, Creative...