The Brooklyn Nets are in the middle of a rebuild, and there’s really no rush. They added five first-round picks in the 2025 NBA Draft and boast future capital for years to come.
On top of that, they have cap space and the benefit of playing in a big market. If they want to make a splash with a free agent signing or a trade, the Nets certainly can. However, their success starts with their young core, who are taking time to find their footing.
Egor Demin, picked eighth out of BYU, was touted as an oversized, pass-first point guard. Through four appearances, he has received limited action, averaging 7.5 points and 2.5 assists. His playstyle so far has been remarkably unique.
GettySAN ANTONIO, TX – OCTOBER 26: Egor Demin #8 of the Brooklyn Nets drives on Dylan Harper #2 of the San Antonio Spurs in the first half at Frost Bank Center on October 26, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
Brooklyn Nets’ Rookie Makes NBA History
Four games is a small sample size, but Demin has already carved out a weird spot in NBA history.
He has become the fourth player in league history to play four games in a row, posting at least 15 minutes, three points, an assist, and zero 2-point shots even attempted. His reluctance to play inside the arc is baffling, even as the league continues to place emphasis on the 3-pointer.
In college, he took 4.6 2s per game, compared to 4.7 3-pointers. He also wasn’t the best shooter, making only 27.3% of his attempts from behind the arc. In the NBA, he’s shooting 40.9% from distance.
The Nets are happy with his increased efficiency, but baffled by his unwillingness to attack the basket as a 6-9 guard. He is built like a slasher, after all!
“He’s got to figure it out,” said head coach Jordi Fernandez on October 29th. “I want him to touch the pain. Everybody will figure it out that he’s a threat from the 3-point line, but he cannot play just behind the 3.”
With his reluctance to attack the basket raising alarm in Brooklyn, he’s becoming the inverse of another former Nets player.
Egor Demin Is the Opposite of Ben Simmons
Before Ben Simmons was exploited as a player who was terrified to shoot the basketball, he was a three-time All-Star and All-NBA player for the Philadelphia 76ers. Like Demin, he was huge for a point guard. He used his size to force his way to the basket.
Demin, through four games, has yet to take a shot from inside the arc. In Simmons’ rookie season, it took him three games to attempt his first triple, although he didn’t make one until game number 173, in his third season.
Simmons, even when he was a star, was mocked ruthlessly for his inability to shoot with volume or confidence. He made up for that shortcoming by being one of the best passers and defenders in the league. He also attacked the rim with gusto until the 2021 postseason.
Being compared to Simmons can be a good thing. After all, he was one of the best players in the league for a short time. However, the confidence issues that rattled Simmons and derailed his career are painfully apparent with Demin. It’s just affecting the polar opposite side of his offensive game.
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