NBA Draft 2021: Intriguing early-entry decisions to watch in coming month

Joshua Primo – Alabama – 6’6, 190 lbs – Freshman – December 2002

After slumping in non-conference play, the Canada native excelled in a starting role in SEC play. He averaged nine points per game but shot an encouraging 41% from deep on 3.9 attempts. He showed some versatility shooting off the move, and while 88% of his threes were assisted, he at least took a good volume off of the dribble threes. His size and shooting ability project him as an offball player.

Shooting was basically the only thing Primo did last season for a very good Crimson Tide team, but he’s got legit size and a projectable body. He won’t turn 19 until both the next NBA and college season starts. He had a low usage rate, but can definitely improve as a passer. I was encouraged by Primo’s ability to attack the rim and his soft touch, to make up for being a good but not spectacular athlete.

If he returns, Alabama’s backcourt will become even more crowded. Both Jahvon Quinerly and Jaden Shackelford are testing the NBA draft waters, but are expected to return. Nate Oates is also bringing in five-star freshman JD Davison and Texas Tech transfer Nimari Burnett. But given the trust Oates showed in Primo last year, I expect him to have a featured role. After a year of playing college basketball, Primo should theoretically take the next step as a player and I could see a monster shooting season from him.

If he does enter, the G-League is likely in his future but that too could be good for his development. He’s not gaining much traction on mainstream boards, although most expect him to return. I’m in agreement with that and think an improved sophomore season in all areas of his game could boost him to a first-round caliber prospect in the 2022 draft. Primo is another guy like Thor where if a leap to the first round is predicted, I don’t see why he can’t go in the 30-40 range this year.