Jos Primo Photograph Credit score: Michael J. LeBrecht II/NBAE
Photograph Edit: Jonas Clark – Challenge Spurs
Within the 2021-22 San Antonio Spurs season, Josh Primo spent most of his time within the G-League. With the time he did spend on the NBA roster, nonetheless, the entrance workplace noticed a younger participant with tons of potential. Some could even go as far to say the younger guard reminds them of one other 18-year-old that had the load of turning round a franchise on his shoulders as effectively – the late Kobe Bryant.
Josh Primo Appears Minimize From That Fabric
Primo stunned lots of people along with his athleticism on each side of the court docket throughout his rookie season. Unafraid to take vital photographs, he scored lead-changing factors and made some powerful baskets within the paint. He was additionally a drive on protection, recording 4 blocks in a hard-fought 108-104 loss to the Phoenix Suns.
Within the G-League, Primo confirmed his aggressive aspect, hustling again on protection, taking costs, and getting his teammates concerned. There have been additionally instances he took over video games, exhibiting true management. Like so many different gamers on this technology, this motivation to be an entire participant could be traced to the affect of Bryant. When the information circulated in 2020 of the Lakers star’s passing, Primo had shared a photo of Bryant on his Instagram captioned, “Your hustle will proceed to encourage me to discover a new stage to achieve on and off the court docket…RIP”.
Some Followers Noticed the “Mamba” in Josh Primo Final 12 months
The Bryant comparisons started with his demeanor in interviews. Some followers even famous some “Bryant-esque” moments within the G-League. One second that stands out is when the Austin Spurs have been down towards the Mexico Metropolis Capitanes final yr. Primo led the Spurs comeback effort scoring 20 of is 28 factors within the 2nd half. Late within the fourth quarter, Primo took a cost with the Spurs down two factors. His response was uncooked, like a warrior, yelling to the rafters. Within the following two San Antonio possessions Primo, made two key assists that helped put the staff forward. They held on to win the sport 112-110.
Whereas even essentially the most informal NBA fan has yelled “KOBE!” whereas throwing a bit of trash away, Primo can he heard yelling “PRIMO!” when he takes photographs in exercises. Which in fact provides gas to the flames of Spurs followers’ Bryant comparisons.
Primo Picked It Up the Crew on the 2022 Summer time League
Going into the 2022 offseason, the Spurs group and followers alike anticipated large issues from Primo. With Dejounte Murray now dealt to the Atlanta Hawks for future draft picks, Primo is anticipated to take over level guard duties for San Antonio. He returned to the court docket within the Summer time League hoping to indicate off his improvement since April.
Sadly, Primo fell unwell with COVID-19 and missed three of the 5 Summer time League video games. Within the two video games of motion, he was nonetheless doing his factor, hitting his photographs and getting his teammates concerned. He scored 20 factors towards Cleveland in a 90-99 loss, however the upside is that he spent most of that sport being a facilitator and discovering the open man. When push got here to shove late, nonetheless, Primo turned visibly annoyed along with his teammates and took over like Bryant would. He scored most of his 20 factors within the 4th quarter.
There’s A Lengthy Technique to Go
The Spurs group and followers alike have to be thrilled to see Primo’s improvement getting into his second season at age 19. Along with his means to see the entire court docket and discover his open man, his clean as butter excessive arcing shot, he’s gaining confidence on the NBA stage. There may be nonetheless a ton of room for him to construct and develop, however this progress is an effective signal. This ought to be a season the place Primo can start to ascertain himself as a frontrunner on the staff. With every little thing he has proven within the offseason, he ought to be capable of cement his place as a cornerstone of San Antonio’s rebuild.
Control the rotation, as Tre Jones and Blake Wesley shall be hungry for minutes. They’re Primo’s prime competitors for his spot within the beginning lineup. There are positive to be some large performances from all three of them within the preseason as they battle for the beginning place. Given Primo’s offseason, it could be shocking if he didn’t come out on prime.
