Second-year guard Joshua Primo has suffered a spained MCL in his left knee, the Spurs announced. However, it sounds like the sprain is relatively minor — while Primo will miss “the start” of the team’s preseason schedule, he’s expected to be back by the season opener on October 19 against Charlotte, according to the Spurs.
The No. 12 overall pick of last year’s draft, Primo appeared in 50 games (16 starts, 19.3 MPG) as a rookie in 2021/22, averaging 5.8 PPG, 2.3 RPG and 1.6 APG on .374/.307/.746 shooting. Primo is still younger than many players who were drafted this year, as he won’t turn 20 years old until late December.
Primo, who also spent a decent chunk of time in the G League last season with the Austin Spurs, is expected to have an opportunity for a bigger role in year two after San Antonio dealt All-Star point guard Dejounte Murray to Atlanta this summer. Multiple starting positions could be open for the Spurs as they pivot to a full rebuild for the first time in decades.
Joshua Primo and Keldon Johnson both out until the season starts. Keldon Johnson is there best player so his position is secure. The only question is for him is if he’s going to start at the 3 or the 4.
Joshua Primo will need another year off to the bench before he considers starting.
Starters
SF Doug McDermott
PF Keldon Johnson
C Jakob Poeltl
SG Devin Vassell
PG Tre Jones
Bench
SG Josh Richardson
PG Joshua Primo
PF Zach Collins
C Isaiah Roby
SG Romeo Langford
C Gorgui Dieng
PF Alize Johnson
I think Gregg Popovich going to have all three of his first round picks in the G League developing.
Jeremy Sochan 9th pick
Malaki Branham 20th pick
Blake Wesley 25th pick
I think Gregg Popovich will try to trade Jakob Poeltl Doug McDermott and Josh Richardson by the trade deadline.
Blake Wesley & Sochan are gonna get a lot of pt. Probably Branham too
Couldn’t believe Primo got drafted that high. Plenty of respect for Pops. Don’t really know him. But I’m curious to see how he develops.