There’s been so much written and spoken about Egor Dëmin’s greatly improved strength and how it’s helped him amplify his offense, drive the lane and finish without fear. But as C.J. Holmes reports, there are other aspects to his new physique. He plans on returning to playing with the ball in his hands and wants to see the best player on the opposing team in front of him.
“I’ve been working there a lot this summer, so I’m willing to take a role and take those opportunities to go there,” Dëmin said,
adding how he wants to create, as he did at BYU where he got the reputation as having the best court vision in his draft class. That’s not something we saw much of last year. Defense is a priority as well, he said.
”Last season it was harder for me, but I think this year what I’m emphasizing on is getting to the lane, getting to the paint, which is going to open up so much more opportunities for exactly that,” Dëmin said. “For being able to create not just for myself but for others and having opportunities for passes and playing in transition, playing fast basketball with gravities like Mike [Porter Jr.], like Julius [Randle], like Mikel [Brown Jr.].”
Indeed, that stronger and more versatile Dëmin should be just one of several improvements in Brooklyn’s distributing game. Mikel Brown Jr. is one of the most electrifying passers in this draft class and Julius Randle is one of the NBA’s top passing big men, averaging five assists a game last season. And although the No. 28 pick in the draft, Joshua Jefferson, will likely see a lot of time out on the island, the 6’9”, 240-pounder played point forward for Iowa State last season.
All of that plus his newly acquired strength should add new wrinkles to Jordi Fernandez’s offense. As Holmes writes:
Dëmin sees opportunity. Porter, Randle and Brown can draw defenders and finish the looks he creates, giving him options in the paint even as Brooklyn distributes the ball among more playmakers.
Porter Jr. thinks it will work out well for everyone. He’s no longer just a 2 who can play the 1, no longer just a shooter but a distributor.
“So, I think Egor is very comfortable playing the point guard position or the shooting guard position,” Porter said at Media Day. “I mean, I think he definitely has physically matured enough to play the point guard if that was needed because guys aren’t bothering him when he’s pressured.
“And now that he’s getting in the paint and finishing around the rim, I think he’ll make a humongous jump.”
Demin also likes reminding people of his game at BYU.
“I think last season it was a lot more off the ball, kind of catch-and-shoot type of plays,” Dëmin said. “While at BYU I was 80% of the game, I was with the ball in my hands.”
Sounds like he will be again.
- How a stronger body could unlock more of Nets’ Egor Dëmin’s game ($) – C.J. Holmes – New York Daily News
