Nets Egor Demin must conquer this next step to…
SAN ANTONIO — First, Egor Dëmin, the first big brick in the Nets rebuild, confirmed he can shoot. Then in Friday’s home opener, he proved he’s not scared of the second.
The next step for Dëmin in unlocking his playmaking is touching the paint. When that finally occurs — and he can totally leverage his basketball IQ and court-mapping — it’ll take the Nets and their prized lottery choose to another stage.
“That’s definitely something I’ve got to improve in my game, getting to this new level, new physicality,” Dëmin said. “This is where my playmaking could be on a different stage, when I get to the paint more, particularly with the shooters now we have.
“We have a lot of shooters, and for me getting to the paint is an opportunity to make their lives easier and create something good for them. So that’s something I’m really having in focus. And I’m really planning to work on it even more and trying to adjust myself so I can be able to do that more.”
The Nets taking Dëmin with the No. 8 choose was panned due to assumptions a poor jumper would render him unable to play off the ball. But after a sizzling summer season league and camp, he’s 7-for-11 from deep through two video games.
Egor Dëmin drives around Craig Porter Jr. in the second half of the Nets’ loss to the Cavaliers on Oct. 24, 2025. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
The seven are tied with Keegan Murray for the third most by a rookie in their first two video games in NBA historical past, and the 63.6 % taking pictures is sixth this 12 months among gamers averaging 5.5 makes an attempt.
“I’ve never questioned my shot,” Dëmin shrugged. “Back in college, I’ve been shooting, and I will be shooting. So that’s not something that I’m really doubting.”
That shot with his dimension (6-foot-8 ¼, 6-10 ¼ wingspan) provides Dëmin a ground as a strong wing. Touching the paint will give him a larger ceiling as a jumbo lead guard.
“Egor, he’s a great player, and even a better human. I’m really glad we added him,” Ziaire Williams said. “He’s tall. Honestly, when I first noticed him I’m like, ‘Damn, you’re tall.’ Great dimension, performs the correct means. And … he’s poised, man.
“I’m excited to see his future.”
Egor Dëmin shoots a 3-pointer in the second half of the Nets’ loss to the Cavaliers. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
Dëmin comes into Sunday’s tilt at the Spurs averaging 11.5 factors, 5.5 boards and three assists — albeit with too many turnovers and too few drives.
He hasn’t taken a single 2-pointer this season. From summer season league on, he’s a scalding 19-of-37 from deep, but just 2-of-6 inside the arc.
Bulk will help. So will ballhandling. But most of all, Dëmin said it’s a matter of bravery, utilizing the phrase braveness.
“It’s everything, overall. Mentality is a big part of it, too, how aggressive I am mentally,” Dëmin said. “For now, I want I used to be more aggressive placing stress on the rim. That’s what I’m lacking in my sport proper now, those last two video games.
“And this is where it’s going to open so much more opportunities for all of us — for me personally and for my teammates. That’s something I’ve got to get together physicality-wise, technical-wise and mentally.”
That braveness helped Dëmin on Friday vs. Cleveland, when he performed his first clutch minutes in the NBA.
Tyrese Proctor drives into Egor Dëmin during the first half of the Nets’ loss to the Cavaliers. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
Scoreless through three quarters, he had 9 in the fourth on 3-of-5 from deep to help the Nets cut what had been a 25-point deficit to one.
“That’s an amazing experience, to have a chance to play in those clutch minutes against a team like Cleveland,” Dëmin said. “It’s about studying how to combat back.
“For me, it was important to actually perceive how to method these varieties of conditions.
“I didn’t really feel nervous; nerves aren’t really helping you at this point. Especially when we got to this run at the end, because when we do things and it’s successful, you start feeling better. You just start feeling the rhythm of the game, the fans are cheering, and it’s more courage.”
The braveness to make a uncommon drive-and-kick in that late run, and it resulted in a Williams 3 to cut the deficit to 5 with 5:18 left. And Dëmin hit a 3 of his own to cut it to one with 3:48 to play, drawing the loudest roar of the evening.
“He was real great. Staying composed,” Cam Thomas said. “I’m glad we have him.”
The Nets have every cause to be completely happy with their lottery choose. Once he begins driving, they’ll be ecstatic.
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