SAN ANTONIO — Egor Demin, a key figure in the Nets’ rebuilding efforts, initially showcased his shooting skills. Then, in the home opener last Friday, he demonstrated he’s not intimidated by high-pressure situations.
To further enhance his playmaking abilities, Demin needs to engage more within the paint. If he can leverage his basketball IQ and spatial awareness in that area, it could elevate both his game and the Nets’ performance.
“That’s definitely an area where I need to grow and adapt,” Demin acknowledged. “With the shooters we have on the team, getting close to the basket can really elevate my playmaking skills.”
“Having that paint presence can really make things easier for everyone else. I’m focused on making that a priority. I plan to work hard on it and build my conditioning to enable that.”
Critics questioned the Nets’ choice to select Demin with the eighth overall pick, expressing doubts about his ability to play off-ball due to concerns about his shooting. However, after an impressive summer league and training camp, he’s currently shooting 7-for-11 from beyond the arc in the first two games.
His seven three-pointers place him tied for the third-most by a rookie in NBA history for the first two games, matching Keegan Murray. Plus, his shooting percentage of 63.6% ranks sixth among players averaging 5.5 attempts.
“I’ve never doubted my shooting skills,” Demin remarked casually. “I’ve always been focused on that during my time in college, and I’ll keep doing it.”
At 6-foot-8 and with a wingspan of over 6-foot-10, Demin’s shooting ability positions him as a promising wing player. If he can penetrate into the paint, he could become a versatile lead guard.
“Egor is not just a great player but also a good person,” said teammate Ziare Williams. “When I first met him, I thought, ‘Wow, he’s tall.’ He has great size, plays the game the right way, and he’s composed.”
“I can’t wait to see what he achieves in the future.”
Heading into Sunday’s matchup against the Spurs, Demin averages 11.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and three assists, although he struggles with turnovers and hasn’t driven to the basket enough.
This season, he hasn’t attempted a two-point shot. Since the Summer League, he boasts an impressive 19-of-37 from beyond the arc, but has only gone 2-of-6 inside the three-point line.
Building strength and improving his ball-handling are crucial. But Demin emphasizes that it really comes down to courage.
“That’s what it boils down to—mentality plays a huge role. It’s about how aggressively I approach the game,” he commented. “Right now, I feel like I need to be more assertive and attack the rim more. That’s what’s missing from my game lately. This would open up even more opportunities for everyone, including me.”
That courage served him well during Friday’s game against Cleveland, when he experienced clutch moments for the first time in the NBA.
Although he didn’t score until the third quarter, he managed to net nine points in the fourth, hitting 3-of-5 shots from three-point range, which helped the Nets claw back from a 25-point deficit.
“It was a valuable experience to play in those clutch moments against a team like Cleveland,” Demin reflected. “I’m learning how to rally back.”
“It’s crucial to understand how to navigate challenging situations like that.”
Feeling surprisingly calm during those pressure-filled moments, Demin mentioned that nervousness can be counterproductive. Positive outcomes help build confidence. The energy from the fans energizes him, too.
His rare drive-and-kick play during a late-game surge helped set up Williams for a three-pointer, narrowing the gap. Demin then made a three of his own, igniting the biggest cheer of the night.
“He was outstanding. He remained composed,” said Cam Thomas. “I’m thrilled he’s on our team.”
The Nets should feel optimistic about their lottery pick, eagerly anticipating when he begins attacking the basket more often.
