Spurs select Joshua Primo with No. 12 pick
With the No. 12 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, the San Antonio Spurs have selected Alabama shooting guard Joshua Primo.
Primo's draft stock has risen after an impressive showing during the combine when he was able to showcase his on-ball skills and playmaking abilities more than in college.
He's the youngest player in this year's draft class and doesn't turn 19 until December, which makes him especially intriguing for teams selecting in the back half of the first round. Organizations with strong foundational pieces already in place are more likely to allow Primo to develop his raw skill set at his own pace.
The Canadian wasn't a go-to option during his freshman season with the Crimson Tide, often deferring to Jaden Shackelford and John Petty. Primo only averaged 8.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 0.8 assists over 22.4 minutes per game as a result, but he did display an above-average shooting stroke (38.1% on 3-pointers as a freshman).
He also gained some big-game experience, as Alabama won the SEC Tournament and advanced to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament.
Bio
Position: SG
School: Alabama
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 190 lbs
Wingspan: 6-foot-9
Max vertical: 37.5"
Strengths
- A great catch-and-shoot threat who should thrive off the ball.
- Above-average length and wingspan could help him develop into a solid two-way player who defends at a high level and finishes well around the rim.
- Creative ball-handler who projects as a better playmaker than his college statistics indicate.
Weaknesses
- Needs to add size to his frame to succeed more when attacking defenses.