Egor Demin stands out as a crucial part of Brooklyn’s rebuilding efforts.
June marked a significant moment for him as he became their first lottery selection in 15 years.
Now, he’s making waves again— becoming the first Nets player chosen for the All-Star Weekend’s Rising Stars competition since 2019.
The team, currently struggling, heads into their matchup against Phoenix holding the fifth-worst record in the league and containing the youngest roster in the NBA.
A total of five rookies, including Demin, make up this roster, and he’s set to represent Brooklyn at the All-Star Weekend— the first since Kevin Durant in 2022.
As for veteran Michael Porter Jr., it’s still unclear if he will secure a spot in the All-Star reserves, but Demin has already secured his opportunity, with a date set for February 13 at the Intuit Dome against the Rising Stars.
This Russian teen marks the first Net selected for the rookie competition since Rodions Kurti in 2019, with Jarrett Allen chosen for the sophomore team that same year.
Demin, selected with the No. 8 overall pick, has put up averages of 10.2 points, 3.4 assists, and 3.3 rebounds while maintaining solid shooting splits of 40/40/85.
He stands second in his rookie class for three-pointers made per game (2.4), and total threes (95), ranking seventh in assists and tenth in scoring.
He leads Brooklyn’s rookie cohort, which is pivotal for their rebuilding strategy.
Following Demin, the team drafted point guard Nolan Traore at 19, Drake Powell at 22, Ben Saraf at 26, and Danny Wolf with another pick.
This places head coach Jordi Fernandez in a tough spot. He needs to nurture these emerging talents while navigating the challenges of a losing streak that could hinder their development.
Fernandez remarked about the rookies, “Experience matters. There’s really no substitute for it. But too many losses can bring about bad habits. It’s a tricky balance. We want them to improve, and we believe they can.”
The Nets are currently facing turmoil, having lost 10 of their last 11 games. Among those defeats, they suffered a staggering 54-point loss at Madison Square Garden and a 37-point blowout against the Clippers.
Clearly, the negative patterns Fernandez cautioned against are beginning to surface.
While losing might improve their odds for a higher lottery pick in May, it’s counterproductive for establishing winning habits.
“We need to get back to competing each night. This includes everyone—from players to coaches. It’s essential,” Porter noted.
“We have to find ways to improve, keep practicing, and develop collectively, so we can hold our ground against these experienced teams on the road.”
The Nets’ next lottery selection is anticipated to play a crucial role in their rebuilding phase.
For now, the primary focus is on developing these five rookies through the remainder of the season.
Demin joins Conn Knuppel and VJ Edgecombe as the only rookies to average at least 10 points, three assists, three rebounds, and make multiple three-pointers.
However, he struggles to maximize his passing ability, as getting into the paint has been a challenge. This is a critical aspect of ball handling that the Nets need to improve upon.
Can they elevate Traore’s game significantly?
While Demin tends to play as a high-passing wing, Traore dazzles with speed and natural playmaking skills but must work on his shooting and finishing at the rim.
In his last four games, he averaged 11.8 points and showcased a solid floater alongside 368 three-pointers. Still, he requires more size and strength to be a top-tier role player.
Whether one of Demin’s fellow rookies will emerge as a Rising Star next year or if Brooklyn’s draft pick will shine as a rookie remains to be seen.
Ultimately, all these players are foundational to the rebuilding effort, and it’s up to Fernandez to ensure that poor habits don’t take root.
