As a freshman at Brigham Young University, Egor Demin’s shooting statistics were far from impressive, with a mere 27.3% success rate from beyond the arc. Despite his 6-foot-9 stature and exceptional court vision, critics were quick to question the Brooklyn Nets’ decision to select him eighth overall in the 2025 NBA Draft. However, the Nets remain confident in Demin’s potential, particularly under the guidance of their new head coach, Jordi Fernandez.
Pre-draft analyses, such as those by Kevin O’Connor, highlighted Demin’s shooting as a significant weakness. O’Connor noted,
“There aren’t many indicators that inspire optimism in his shot. He made only 69.5% of his free throws and doesn’t have soft touch on tough layups or floaters. He made only 27.3% of his dribble-jumper 2s, 23.9% of his dribble-jumper 3s, and 27.3% of his catch-and-shoot 3s, per Synergy.”
Despite these concerns, the Nets are optimistic about Demin’s development, particularly with Fernandez’s reputation as a player development expert.
Jordi Fernandez’s Confidence in Demin
At the Brooklyn Nets’ introductory press conference, which showcased all five rookies selected in the first round, Fernandez expressed his excitement about Demin’s shooting potential.
“His ability to shoot the ball [attracted us]. He’s gonna shoot the ball very well in this league. That is another thing that excites us,”
Fernandez stated, as reported by ClutchPoints’ Erik Slater. Although Fernandez did not directly address Demin’s current three-point shooting ability, his enthusiasm suggests a belief in Demin’s capacity to improve.
The 19-year-old will have ample opportunity to refine his skills during the summer league and training camp, with the expectation that he will assume the role of Brooklyn’s starting point guard. This timeframe provides Demin with approximately four months to enhance his shooting mechanics.
Historical Parallels and Potential for Growth
Several NBA stars have demonstrated significant improvements in their shooting percentages after entering the league, providing a blueprint for Demin’s potential development. Victor Wembanyama, for instance, shot just 27.5% from three during his final season with Metropolitans 92 but improved to 32.2% in his rookie NBA season, a near-five percent increase after one offseason. Similarly, Kevin Durant’s three-point shooting jumped from 28.8% in his rookie year to 42.2% in his second season.
These examples illustrate that while Demin may not immediately become a consistent marksman from behind the arc, there is a precedent for significant improvement with dedicated practice and coaching.
Implications for the Brooklyn Nets
The Nets’ decision to draft Demin reflects a broader strategy of investing in player development and potential. By selecting a player with clear areas for growth, Brooklyn is betting on their coaching staff’s ability to nurture and develop talent. This approach could pay dividends if Demin can follow in the footsteps of players like Wembanyama and Durant.
Furthermore, Demin’s size and vision offer additional advantages that could complement his evolving shooting skills. As he works on his mechanics, these attributes may help him become a more versatile and impactful player on the court.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, all eyes will be on Egor Demin and his progress under Jordi Fernandez’s tutelage. While immediate results are not guaranteed, the Nets’ faith in Demin’s potential suggests a long-term investment in his development. Should he succeed in improving his shooting, Demin could become a key piece in Brooklyn’s future success.
The coming months will be crucial for Demin as he prepares for the challenges of the NBA. With the support of his coaches and teammates, he has the opportunity to prove his doubters wrong and establish himself as a formidable presence in the league.