Imagine the thrill of stepping onto an NBA court for the first time after dreaming about it all your life—that's exactly what Egor Demin is about to experience, marking a big moment for the Brooklyn Nets as their first lottery pick in 15 years.
TORONTO — Egor Demin, the Nets' top prospect selected eighth overall, is finally gearing up for his initial NBA action this Friday in the preseason wrap-up clash against the Raptors. After being held out due to a plantar fascia tear—an injury in the foot's arch that can be quite painful and limiting for athletes, often requiring careful rehab to avoid long-term issues—Demin is set to make his long-awaited entry into the league's competitive scene.
"He's progressed through our tailored training regimen, gradually ramping up his activities, including full five-on-five drills, and now he's primed for game time," Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez shared on Thursday. "It's fantastic news that he'll log some minutes on Friday. I'm genuinely pumped for him; he's worked tirelessly and earned this opportunity."
This 19-year-old point guard, hailing from BYU, sustained the injury back in July, right after the Las Vegas Summer League wrapped up. Standing at 6-foot-9, the Russian talent sat out the initial three preseason games while recovering, only getting the green light for unrestricted practice during the team's trip to Macao—a dual-purpose journey that blended exhibition play with team-building in a new environment.
At just 11th-youngest in the entire league and the Nets' first lottery selection since Derrick Favors in 2010, Demin is stepping into a spotlight that could define his future. But Fernandez is keen to keep things light for the young star.
"I don't want to pile on expectations or put undue stress on him," the coach explained. "My goal is for him to relish these first moments on the court. Of course, I'll encourage him to play with intent, hustle hard, and leverage his standout attributes—like his exceptional passing, shooting accuracy, and impressive height for his position. But the key is to not overanalyze; just play freely and enjoy the experience."
And this is the part most people miss—the Nets are in a unique position with an abundance of young talent, thanks to their bold draft strategy. In June, Brooklyn made history by snagging a record five players in the first round, including two additional first-round point guards: Nolan Traore at No. 19 and Ben Saraf at No. 26, both acquired via selections from the Mikal Bridges trade with the Knicks.
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While Saraf notched 11 assists in their recent preseason victory over Phoenix and Traore has kicked off two of the three preseason games, Demin's return brings the trio of rookie point guards to full health. This setup naturally sparks curiosity about how these three will share playing time, compete for spots, and potentially shift roles, perhaps even exploring off-ball opportunities to maximize their skills.
"I don't have a magic crystal ball to predict the future," Fernandez admitted with a chuckle. "But I'm thrilled to watch this unfold. They'll all vie for similar minutes, including those on the wings where their versatility can shine. Right now, they're battling for the starting point guard and backup roles—that's fantastic, as it means we'll get to witness our young draftees racking up real NBA experience."
But here's where it gets controversial: With three highly skilled point guards in the mix, is this a recipe for harmony on the court or a potential headache for the coaching staff? Some fans might argue it's a genius way to build depth and flexibility, allowing for innovative lineups, while others could worry about minutes being diluted and rivalries brewing among the rookies. What do you think—will this trio become a dynamic unit or lead to tough decisions on rotations?
Share your thoughts in the comments: Do you believe the Nets are onto something brilliant with this young point guard overload, or is it a gamble that could complicate their chemistry? We'd love to hear your takes and predictions!
