Joshua Lincoln Alexander Primo, a name that once sparked excitement as a promising NBA prospect, has become a figure of intrigue, talent, and controversy. Born on December 24, 2002, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Primo’s journey from a standout college athlete to a professional basketball player has been anything but conventional.
As the youngest player in the NBA when he debuted in 2021, Primo showed flashes of brilliance, but his career has been overshadowed by off-court issues and limited playing time. This article delves into Primo’s early life, basketball career, controversies, personal life, and the latest updates as of June 2025, addressing the questions fans and curious readers have been asking online.
Early Life and Background
Josh Primo was born and raised in Toronto, a city known for producing basketball talent like Jamal Murray and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Growing up in a sports-loving family, Primo was exposed to athletics early on. His father, a former basketball player, and his mother, a supportive figure in his life, encouraged his passion for the game. Primo attended Royal Crown Academic School in Scarborough, Ontario, where he quickly established himself as a standout player.
High School Stardom
Primo’s high school career was marked by his versatility and athleticism. Standing at 6’4” with a 6’9” wingspan, he possessed the physical tools to excel as a shooting guard. His ability to score, defend, and handle the ball made him a top recruit. Primo played for Huntington Prep in West Virginia, a powerhouse known for producing NBA talent. His performances earned him a four-star recruit rating and a spot in the 2020 McDonald’s All-American Game, though the event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
College Days at Alabama
Primo committed to the University of Alabama, where he played under coach Nate Oats during the 2020-21 season. At just 18 years old, he was the youngest player in college basketball that year. Despite his youth, Primo made an immediate impact, averaging 8.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game while shooting 43.1% from the field and 38.1% from three-point range. His performance earned him a spot on the SEC All-Freshman Team.
Primo’s decision to declare for the 2021 NBA Draft after just one college season surprised some, but his potential was undeniable. His strong showing at the NBA Draft Combine, where he showcased his shooting and athleticism, solidified his status as a first-round prospect.
NBA Career: A Rocky Start
In the 2021 NBA Draft, the San Antonio Spurs selected Primo with the 12th overall pick, a choice that raised eyebrows due to his limited college experience and youth. At 18 years and 10 months, he became the youngest player in the NBA when he debuted in October 2021. The Spurs, known for their player development system under Gregg Popovich, saw Primo as a long-term project with star potential.
In his rookie season (2021-22), Primo appeared in 50 games, starting four, and averaged 5.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 19.3 minutes per game. His shooting splits were modest 37.4% from the field, 30.7% from three, and 74.6% from the free-throw line but his smooth scoring ability and defensive versatility hinted at a bright future. However, his role was inconsistent, as the Spurs often sent him to their G League affiliate, the Austin Spurs, to gain more experience.
A Sudden Release
Primo’s tenure with the Spurs came to an abrupt end on October 28, 2022, when the team waived him just four games into his second season. The move shocked the NBA world, as it was unusual for a lottery pick to be released so quickly. Initial reports suggested the decision was mutual, with Primo citing a need to focus on his mental health.
In a statement, he said, “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.” However, the real reason for his release soon came to light, casting a shadow over his promising career.
The Controversy: Indecent Exposure Allegations
In late October 2022, ESPN reported that Primo’s release was linked to “multiple alleged instances of him exposing himself to women.” The allegations stemmed from a former Spurs team psychologist, Dr. Hillary Cauthen, who filed a civil complaint against Primo and the Spurs organization. Cauthen claimed that Primo exposed himself to her during private therapy sessions on multiple occasions, beginning in December 2021. She alleged that the Spurs failed to address her complaints adequately, leading to her departure from the organization.
The NBA conducted an independent investigation, concluding in September 2023 that Primo had “engaged in inappropriate and offensive behavior by exposing himself to women.” The league suspended Primo for four games without pay for “conduct detrimental to the league.” Notably, the investigation found no evidence of additional misconduct beyond the exposure incidents, and Primo maintained that his actions were unintentional.
Legal Resolution
The civil lawsuit between Cauthen, Primo, and the Spurs was settled out of court in November 2022, with the terms undisclosed. The settlement allowed both parties to avoid a public trial, but the incident left a lasting mark on Primo’s reputation. Fans and analysts debated whether his youth he was 19 at the time of the incidents and inexperience contributed to his actions, while others emphasized the seriousness of the allegations.
Public and Media Reaction
The controversy sparked intense discussion on platforms like X, where fans expressed a range of opinions. Some supported Primo’s potential for redemption, citing his age and the pressures of professional sports, while others criticized the Spurs’ handling of the situation and questioned whether Primo deserved a second chance in the NBA. Posts on X from October 2022 highlighted the shock of his release and the allegations, reflecting the public’s mixed sentiments.
Attempted Comeback with the Los Angeles Clippers
After his release from the Spurs, Primo faced an uphill battle to salvage his NBA career. In August 2023, he signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, a team looking to bolster its depth with young talent. The move was seen as a low-risk gamble for the Clippers, who hoped Primo could develop in their G League affiliate, the Ontario Clippers, while recovering from the controversy.
Surprisingly, on November 15, 2023, the Clippers converted Primo’s two-way deal into a standard NBA contract, a move that raised eyebrows given his limited playing time and ongoing recovery from an ankle injury. The contract included a small amount of guaranteed money for the 2024-25 season, signaling the team’s belief in his potential. However, Primo’s impact was minimal, as he appeared in only two NBA games during the 2023-24 season, averaging 1.0 point and 0.5 rebounds in 5.0 minutes per game.
Waived by the Clippers
In April 2024, the Clippers waived Primo, citing his ankle injury and lack of contribution to the main roster. Despite the waiver, reports suggested the Clippers remained interested in bringing him back, possibly for their G League team. Law Murray of The Athletic noted that Primo was viewed as a long-term project rather than an immediate contributor.
A Second Chance with the Chicago Bulls
In October 2024, the Chicago Bulls signed Primo to an Exhibit 10 training Old Westbury training camp contract, a non-guaranteed deal that allowed him to join their G League affiliate, the Windy City Bulls. The move was controversial, as it came just three and a half months after the Bulls acquired Josh Giddey, another player with off-court allegations, raising questions about the team’s roster decisions.
The Bulls waived Primo shortly after signing him, as expected, with the intention of him rehabbing his ankle injury and potentially earning a two-way contract with the Windy City Bulls. The Exhibit 10 deal included a financial bonus if Primo remained with the G League team for a specified period.
Current Status with the Bulls
As of June 2025, there are no confirmed reports of Primo securing a permanent NBA roster spot with the Bulls or another team. His focus has been on rehabilitating his injury and working toward a return to professional play, likely through the G League. The Bulls’ decision to sign him reflects their willingness to take a chance on his talent, despite the public scrutiny surrounding his past.
Personal Life
Family and Upbringing: Primo keeps his personal life private, but his family has been a significant influence. His father played basketball at a semi-professional level, and his mother has been a constant supporter. Primo has spoken about the importance of his family’s support during his career challenges, though he rarely shares details publicly.
Mental Health and Recovery: Following his release from the Spurs, Primo emphasized his focus on mental health treatment. The trauma he referenced in his statement remains undisclosed, leading to speculation about underlying issues that may have contributed to his actions. His commitment to therapy and personal growth has been a recurring theme in his limited public statements.
Public Perception: Public interest in Primo’s personal life spiked after the 2022 controversy. Fans on platforms like X have expressed curiosity about his background, mental health journey, and whether he can overcome his past mistakes. The lack of detailed information about his personal life has fueled speculation, but Primo has largely stayed out of the spotlight since 2022.
Controversies and Public Interest Topics
The Spurs Incident: The indecent exposure allegations remain the defining controversy of Primo’s career. The incident, combined with his sudden release and the NBA’s suspension, has led to ongoing debates about accountability, second chances, and the pressures faced by young athletes. While some fans believe Primo deserves an opportunity to redeem himself, others argue that his actions warrant caution from teams considering him.
Comparisons to Josh Giddey: Primo’s signing with the Bulls drew comparisons to Josh Giddey, another young player with off-court allegations. Both players’ acquisitions sparked discussions about the Bulls’ willingness to take risks on talented but controversial figures. Critics argue that such moves could harm the team’s reputation, while supporters point to the potential upside of young, high-draft-pick talent.
Mental Health in the NBA: Primo’s case has contributed to broader conversations about mental health in professional sports. His statement about seeking help for past trauma resonated with some fans, who see his youth and the pressures of the NBA as mitigating factors. The topic remains a point of interest, with many wondering how Primo’s mental health journey will impact his career moving forward.
Latest Updates (June 2025)
As of June 2025, Josh Primo’s status in the NBA remains uncertain. After being waived by the Bulls in October 2024, he is likely focusing on rehabilitation and G League play with the Windy City Bulls. There are no confirmed reports of him signing a new NBA contract, but his youth (he turned 22 in December 2024) and former lottery-pick status make him a candidate for future opportunities. Teams like the Clippers have shown interest in retaining him for development, suggesting he could return to the NBA if he proves his health and maturity.
Primo’s social media presence is minimal, and he has not publicly addressed his career plans since the Bulls’ waiver. Fans continue to follow his journey, with many hoping he can overcome his past and fulfill the potential that made him a top-12 pick.
FAQs
What happened with Josh Primo and the San Antonio Spurs?
In October 2022, the Spurs waived Primo after allegations surfaced that he had exposed himself to multiple women, including the team’s sports psychologist. Primo stated he was seeking mental health treatment for past trauma. In December 2023, the Bexar County District Attorney announced that no charges would be filed due to insufficient evidence.
What are fans saying about Josh Primo’s future?
Opinions are mixed. Some fans believe he deserves another chance due to his young age and talent, while others feel his off-court issues have overshadowed his potential. Discussions on platforms like Reddit and RealGM reflect this divide.
What is Primo doing now?
As of June 2025, Joshua Primo is not currently signed to an NBA team. His most recent professional appearance was with the Windy City Bulls in the NBA G League, where he was waived in December 2024 after a brief stint. There have been no official announcements regarding his future plans or potential return to professional basketball.
What legal issues has Joshua Primo faced?
In November 2022, former San Antonio Spurs clinical psychologist Dr. Hillary Cauthen filed a lawsuit alleging that Primo exposed himself to her multiple times during therapy sessions. Primo denied the allegations, stating that any exposure was unintentional. The lawsuit was settled in November 2022, and charges against Primo were not pursued. In December 2023, the Bexar County District Attorney’s office announced that there was insufficient evidence to bring criminal charges against Primo.
In Summary
Josh Primo’s journey is a complex tale of talent, missteps, and redemption. From a high school star to a college standout and an NBA lottery pick, his early career promised greatness. However, the 2022 controversy with the Spurs derailed his trajectory, leading to a suspension, a settled lawsuit, and a nomadic path through the Clippers and Bulls.
As of June 2025, Primo remains a question mark, a young player with the tools to succeed but a challenging road ahead. His focus on mental health, injury recovery, and professional growth will determine whether he can reclaim his place in the NBA.
Fans continue to follow his story, drawn to the drama of a fallen prospect and the hope of a comeback. Whether Primo can overcome his past and fulfill his potential remains one of the NBA’s most compelling narratives. For now, the basketball world watches, waiting to see if Joshua Primo can write a new chapter in his career.
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