Egor Demin’s Offseason Goals
For Egor Demin, the tasks for the offseason seem straightforward, though they won’t be easy to achieve.
First off, he aims to win the Summer League, develop a strong partnership with rookie Mikel Brown Jr., and carry that synergy into the regular season.
“The primary goal for our team is to win the Summer League,” Demin stated. “Individually, I want to make a significant impact and improve myself as much as possible.”
“It’s really about connecting with everyone, especially the rookies. I need to be on the court with Mikel as much as I can to get through all of this before the season starts.”
The Nets chose Demin as their first lottery pick in 15 years last season and have now drafted another guard with the sixth pick.
Interestingly, their skills don’t just overlap; they actually complement each other.
“They can clearly coexist on the court,” said coach Jordi Fernandes. “Egor brings elite shooting and ball-handling skills, while Mikel is great as the primary ball handler, paired with impressive athleticism and scoring ability. You’ll witness that chemistry in the Summer League, and I don’t foresee any issues with them playing side by side.”
It’s crucial for the Nets that this pairing thrives, as their rebuild heavily relies on their ability to not only coexist but also to develop together.
Demin, who is more effective off the ball, will find his shooting to be an asset for Brown’s speed and attacking style. While Destin is still recovering from a plantar fascia injury, the two will finally play together, either in the California Summer League or later in Las Vegas.
“I really love how this fits,” Demin shared. “His skills will enhance my game. It’s crucial for me to refine my shot and to have someone like him around to attract defenders while I drive to the basket. This kind of dynamic is something we can definitely build on. We might just turn into a remarkable duo.”
Demin dismissed concerns about his previous injury, reassured that he is doing well. He’s gained 13 to 15 pounds since last season, which should help him during fast breaks.
“We’re still in the process of figuring things out, but it takes strength to maintain balance and drive effectively. He’s really excelled in the weight room,” Fernandez mentioned. “He looks more mature and will perform significantly better than last year.”
Demin concurred, “Absolutely. That was a major focus during our on-court work this summer. We’re taking lessons from the weight room and making a habit of being more assertive in seeking gaps and driving to the basket. … Getting accustomed to physical contact and penetrating into the paint has been my key aim.”
