Brooklyn, NY – December 1: Egor Demin, the 19-year-old rookie point guard for the Brooklyn Nets, reflects a remarkable tale of talent and growth during his first NBA season. Displaying impressive skill on the court, Demin continues to adjust to the physical demands of professional basketball, a journey that is not without its hurdles.
At BYU, Demin stood out as a 6’9” athlete with a unique blend of size and agility, earning recognition as the tallest guard to be measured at an NBA Combine since records began in 2000. However, transitioning to the NBA’s competitive landscape has proved challenging. Recently, he struggled with aggressiveness, posting the lowest rate of two-point attempts on his team and failing to capitalize on scoring opportunities in the paint during a game against the Golden State Warriors, where he also recorded two turnovers in the game’s crucial moments.
Despite these challenges, head coach Jordi Fernandez remains optimistic, sharing his expectations for Demin’s development. “I want more paint touches. I want more assists. I want more physicality on both ends,” said Fernandez, acknowledging Demin’s potential and eagerness to improve.
What has caught many off guard is Demin’s exceptional shooting ability. To date, he has made 62 three-pointers, marking him as the second-most proficient three-point shooter among NBA rookies. His recent performance included setting a franchise rookie record by making seven three-pointers in a single game against the Warriors. If he maintains his pace, he could shatter the Nets’ rookie record for three-pointers in a season, a feat previously held by Kerry Kittles since the 1996–97 season.
His shooting success may come as a surprise considering his college numbers, where he averaged 27.1 percent from beyond the arc. A plantar fascia injury limited his summer training, restricting him to shooting from a seated position, inadvertently allowing him to refine his rhythm and mechanics. “It comes from the summer work for sure. That was one of my biggest focuses,” Demin explained, crediting his coaching staff’s support in his shooting development.
As he continues to grow, Demin has gained over ten pounds since being drafted, enhancing his ability to handle the league’s physicality. His maturity on the court is evident, reflecting his understanding of the game and his strategic approach to learning from experiences. “I’m much more comfortable, for sure. Mentally I’m understanding the game better,” he stated.
Veteran center Nic Claxton expressed his encouragement for Demin post-game, recognizing both his recent successes and mistakes as part of the learning process. “The sky’s the limit for him and he’ll keep getting better,” Claxton remarked.
With only 540 players in the NBA and Demin being one of the youngest, the Nets are not rushing his development. The components are in motion for Demin, and under the guidance of the coaching staff, there’s hope for a bright future as he continues to harness his talent and realize his potential on the court.