Brooklyn Nets: Developing a Future Star in Egor Dëmin

As the Brooklyn Nets set their sights on the 2026 NBA Draft, the immediate focus is on nurturing their young talent, particularly Egor Dëmin, who has shown flashes of brilliance in his first season. Despite a tough 119-109 loss to the Raptors, Dëmin’s performance has raised hopes among fans and professionals alike.

Impressive Performance Against the Raptors

In the recent match against Toronto, Dëmin achieved a career-high of 16 points, going 5 for 11 from the field and 50% from three-point range. His all-around game included:

• 4 rebounds
• 5 assists
• 28 minutes of play

This game marked a notable stepping stone for the 19-year-old point guard, showcasing his potential as a critical asset for the Nets.

Egor Dëmin goes up for a dunk as Jakob Poeltl defends during the Nets’ loss to the Raptors on Nov. 11, 2025. (Getty Images)

Building Blocks for the Future

Although the Nets’ roster is still finding its footing, Dëmin stands out as a significant positive amid the team’s struggles. Coach Jordi Fernández emphasized that Dëmin "belongs" in the NBA and highlighted the need for him to sustain his progress:

“Obviously, you need to learn, he needs to grow on the defensive end and be more proactive,” Fernández stated. “He’s a smart kid. We’re going to keep challenging him to do those things.”

Recent Game Trends

• Dëmin’s recent starts: Tuesday marked his third consecutive start in place of Cam Thomas, who is sidelined for 3-4 weeks due to a hamstring injury.
• His average over the past three games:
  • 11.3 points
  • 3.7 rebounds
  • 5 assists
  • 48% shooting from the field
  • 47% from three-point range

Learning Curve and Growth

Dëmin has expressed how he is adapting to the NBA’s faster pace, emphasizing the importance of experience in enhancing his game:

“Everything comes with the reps. … I’m getting used to the pick-and-roll, the physicality, and different coverages,” he noted.

His improved comfort level has been evident, especially in his drive toward the basket, marking a shift in his gameplay. In his first four games, Dëmin didn’t attempt a single shot inside the arc, but in the last six, he is averaging 2.1 attempts per game.

Key Moments from Recent Matches

In the game against the Raptors:

• Dëmin executed a significant drive off a pick from Nic Claxton, helping the Nets establish an early lead.
• His aggression has increased, with both Claxton and Fernández noticing his willingness to attack the rim.

Egor Dëmin goes up for a layup as Mitchell Robinson defends during the Nets’ blowout loss to the Knicks on Nov. 9, 2025. (Jason Szenes / New York Post)

The Path Ahead

While there is still much work to be done, the early signs of potential from Dëmin are optimistic for the Nets’ future. With continued focus on development and consistent in-game experience, he could emerge as a foundational piece for the franchise.

In the words of Claxton:

“He’s willing to attack and wants to get downhill. He’s taking strides in the right direction, and I’ll keep an open dialogue with him.”

Conclusion

As the Nets navigate this rebuilding phase, the development of Egor Dëmin remains crucial. Fostering his talents could be key to securing a brighter future for the organization, making it essential for the coaching staff and veteran players to support his evolution in the league. The upcoming games will give fans a clearer picture of how this promising young player will fit into Brooklyn’s long-term strategy.