The Brooklyn Nets made one of the most intriguing and potentially transformative selections in the 2025 NBA Draft by selecting Egor Demin, the 6-foot-9 point forward from BYU, with the eighth overall pick. A unique blend of size, skill, vision, and versatility, Demin is not the type of player who fits easily into conventional positional molds—and that’s precisely what makes him so compelling. With this selection, the Nets are signaling a commitment to creativity and long-term growth, adding a player who could develop into a key chess piece in today’s ever-evolving NBA landscape.
Egor Demin’s road to Brooklyn is an international tale of talent meeting adaptability. Born and raised in Russia, Demin developed through the European basketball pipeline before heading to the United States to play college ball at BYU. While his decision to play in the NCAA was met with curiosity at the time, it quickly paid off. His lone season at BYU turned heads across the country and among NBA scouts, as he showcased an exceptionally rare package of ball-handling, court vision, and decision-making at his size. At 6’9″, Demin effectively ran the offense, guarded multiple positions, and played with an on-court intelligence that set him apart from many of his draft peers.
During his freshman year, Demin averaged 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists per game—numbers that only hint at his full impact. He wasn’t just putting up stats; he was orchestrating games, changing paces, initiating offensive schemes, and influencing the outcome of contests with his cerebral approach. He showed the ability to lead fast breaks, operate in pick-and-roll settings as both the handler and the screener, and make the type of reads usually reserved for elite-level guards. His shooting touch, while still developing, was respectable—he shot around 35% from three and over 80% from the free-throw line, indicators of solid mechanics and future growth.
Brooklyn’s decision to draft Demin is not just about fit—it’s about philosophy. In a post-Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden era, the Nets have been searching for a new identity. They’ve assembled a roster filled with defensive-minded wings, role players, and a few ascending talents, but lacked a true initiator who could mold the offensive structure. Demin, while unconventional, fills that void in a way that opens up limitless strategic possibilities. He doesn’t need to dominate the ball to influence the game, yet he has the tools to become a point-forward centerpiece in the modern NBA.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Demin’s game is his feel. Many players possess physical tools, but few have the natural understanding of timing, angles, and spacing that Demin already exhibits. Whether threading a no-look bounce pass through traffic or anticipating a cutter a full second before anyone else sees the play developing, Demin has a flair for the exceptional without sacrificing efficiency. He plays with an ease and rhythm that makes everything around him look more fluid. The Nets, who have struggled to find offensive consistency and ball movement, now have a player who can set the tempo, unlock shooters, and bring cohesion to the half-court attack.
Defensively, Demin brings just as much value. His size allows him to switch onto nearly any position 1 through 4, and even some 5s, depending on the matchup. He’s not an elite vertical athlete or a rim protector, but his length and awareness make him disruptive. He closes out well, reads passing lanes, and rotates intelligently. He’s not flashy as a defender, but he’s reliable and fundamentally sound. More importantly, he’s a communicator on the floor—calling out screens, recognizing coverages, and taking pride in doing the little things that often go unnoticed.
The Nets now have a player who can grow into a foundational piece while also complementing the team’s existing young core. With players like Cam Thomas, Nic Claxton, and Mikal Bridges still part of the roster, Demin offers a unique connector role that could elevate everyone’s play. He doesn’t demand a high usage rate to be effective, which will allow scorers like Thomas to continue their development without being overshadowed. His passing and floor awareness will help maximize Bridges’ cutting and Claxton’s rim running. In essence, Demin is the type of player who enhances team chemistry and makes good players better.
Brooklyn’s front office, led by General Manager Sean Marks, clearly values versatility and high-IQ basketball. In Demin, they’ve landed a player who embodies those principles. This pick also fits a broader league trend: the rise of tall playmakers who don’t fit traditional positions but instead operate in multiple roles depending on need and matchup. Players like Luka Dončić, Scottie Barnes, Josh Giddey, and even Franz Wagner have redefined what it means to run an offense, and Demin could very well follow that path in his own unique way. His ceiling may not be defined by traditional metrics like points per game, but rather by his ability to shape the identity of a team.
That said, there are areas where Demin will need development. His scoring package, while improving, still lacks some aggressiveness. At times, he can be too deferential, passing up open looks in favor of more complex playmaking. For him to reach star status, he will need to become more assertive as a scorer, particularly in late-game situations. Improving his first step, adding strength to finish through contact, and expanding his shooting range will be key developmental goals in his rookie season and beyond.
There’s also the adjustment period that comes with any international player, even one who spent a season in the NCAA. The speed of the NBA, the length of the season, and the physicality of professional defenders will all test Demin early on. However, his maturity, poise, and ability to adapt suggest he’ll handle the transition with grace. Those who know him best describe him as highly coachable, self-aware, and relentlessly focused on improvement—traits that bode well for long-term success.
Off the court, Demin’s personality fits the Brooklyn market well. He’s intelligent, soft-spoken but charismatic, and presents himself with a quiet confidence. He doesn’t seek attention, but his game naturally draws it. In a city that appreciates authenticity and resilience, Demin will likely connect with fans who have seen both greatness and heartache over the years. He represents something fresh—a new kind of star who may not score 30 a night, but will win games through leadership, playmaking, and vision.
Looking ahead, the Nets are in an interesting position. They’re not in full rebuild mode, but they’re clearly in the midst of a reset. Drafting Demin doesn’t instantly make them contenders, but it gives them direction and purpose. As they continue to evaluate the long-term futures of their current veterans and young prospects, the presence of a versatile, team-first playmaker like Demin offers a focal point for development and roster construction.
The 2025 NBA Draft will be remembered for several bold picks and big names, but Brooklyn’s selection of Egor Demin could quietly be one of the most impactful moves of the night. In a league where fit and vision matter just as much as talent, the Nets may have found their ideal building block—someone who doesn’t just play the game but elevates it.
Egor Demin may not be the most explosive rookie to enter the league this year, but what he brings to Brooklyn is rare, invaluable, and precisely what the franchise needs: a high-IQ, positionless creator who makes the game easier for everyone around him. He is the kind of player who doesn’t just chase numbers but chases solutions. And in today’s NBA, that’s a winning formula.
