No. I think you are rationalizing things after the fact to convince yourself of something that was not the perception at the time. This is revisionist.
Sure, realistically they were focused on development finally but they signed veterans to complement the youth in MCD and Forbes, and tried to at least put together a roster that made sense for them. I also remember Pop talking about how the additions were carefully selected, etc yada yada yada.
So bottom line, they didn't pass up on Duarte with some tank in mind. I think they really were impressed with Primo. We don't have to overthink that. Everything they said, even down to the perceived reach, the growth plates, the playmaking ability that wasn't showcased in college, the youth, etc pointed to what they hoped was a higher ceiling than Duarte bc Duarte is an older player that was close to his ceiling. It was a gamble that Primo would grow taller, stronger, and be better bc he was 18.
I am giving Primo time bc honestly whatever problems others find in him, to me the worst problem is him losing his shooting touch.