The Daily Demin: no net is safe from a Egor Demin 3-pointer in NBA Debut

Who among us couldn't have foreseen Egor Demin, a 27% launcher from beyond the three-point arc during his time with BYU basketball, becoming a deadeye archer from deep as an NBA player? In his pro debut, this Brooklyn Net delivered 14 points, knocking through 4/6 from distance. The form has always looked buttery, and the ball is finally resting in the nestle of a basketball cylinder when this Russian rookie sends a shot with a gentle kiss.

In his first NBA minutes, this former Coug and top 10 selection in his draft class was not only solid, he was downright enthralling to witness. Brooklyn, due to their overlapping draft strategy, elected to stagger the minutes of Ben Saraf (who got the start in this one), Egor, and Nolan Traore. Each of these three players got minutes as the point guard and didn't share the floor much, if at all. That's the main reason why Egor only saw 22 minutes, which was still the most of the three guards.

He didn't just outshine the other guards in playing time, his 14 points was the most of the three, with Saraf in particular struggling, who in contrast when 2-for-7 and 0-for-3 from long range.

At the forefront of my attention, Egor's leadership on the court set him apart in my sight. Egor is chatty in the very best ways. Constant communication and direction with the other four Nets on the floor. Keeping himself and his teammates on the same page on both ends of the floor, between plays, and at every turn. Key to this point, his teammates clearly listen to what he has to say. His words have a pull, and his basketball IQ is infectious to the open minds on the roster. That's a rare trait in a rookie, but a key aspect of any successful NBA point guard -- call it the Steve Nash effect.

But back to his jumper. His release is the type of subject that the ancient Greeks would throw away immortality for. Pure, concentrated grace and beauty in every movement. It's efficient, his high-pointed release towers over the poor unfortunate guards who bear the misfortune of defending him. When he flicks his wrist, it's doom. Elevates? Doom. Kicks the ball out to an open shooter across the court? It's doom.

He tallied two assists, looked comfortable handling the ball, and has seemingly silenced those who saw his collegiate struggles and vehemently proclaimed that he was destined to become a "bust" as the eighth selection. Egor made a lot of people look very foolish for doubting him -- he was excellent in his first taste of NBA action.