NBA fans strongly react to controversial Clippers signing

Primo was the No. 12 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, but the San Antonio Spurs released him just before the 2022-23 season after the team psychologist sued Primo and the team, alleging that he had exposed himself to her on nine separate occasions.

Primo didn't play last season, but on Friday, the NBA announced he had been suspended for four games, followed closely by the news that L.A. used their last two-way contract on the 20-year-old.

The reaction online was almost universally negative.

The reaction was so negative that Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank had to defend the team's actions in the Los Angeles Times. He told the Times the team had consulted with female employees and "took many steps to make sure that we could feel very confident that we will be able to create a safe and comfortable workplace."

Frank claims that the team is not expecting Primo to perform on the court, but merely wants to give him an opportunity to "continue his work" off the court.

"We’re not disputing allegations or condoning the alleged conduct, but why we’re here is because of all the work he’s put in since those allegations," Frank said.

But Frank also revealed that the Clippers, who extensively met with Primo before the 2021 draft, started discussing signing Primo within months of his being waived – before he did any "work" off the court. Clearly, the Clippers saw an opportunity to pick up a former lottery pick for free and they're spinning it as a way to help Primo. In addition, their female employees are being asked to endorse the move.

It's hard to see that explanation flying with basketball fans, who are already disgusted with the return of Charlotte's Miles Bridges after felony domestic violence charges. Besides, the Primo move doesn't even make sense in basketball terms.

The Clippers think the chance to add a young talent is worth the public relations hit. But it's more likely that they're squandering a great deal of public goodwill right before moving into a new arena. It's a bad gamble for Los Angeles and the NBA.