What on Earth is Egor Demin doing at the NBA Summer League?
Whether a blind supporter or a stingy skeptic, the scouting report on BYU's 6-foot-9 point guard, Egor Demin, had settled to something of a consensus. Sure, both sides of the pool splashed at the other as to whether he'd "make it" at the highest level of professional basketball, but all could agree we're splashing in the same pond.
So what happens when, with eyes wide open, we witness nearly the exact opposite of what was expected during Egor's first taste of NBA action?
In the period between his final game at BYU and draft night, analysts and experts clamored to comprehend the unique foreign prospect who spent one year in the NCAA before lacing up in the pros.
His detractors insisted that his shooting numbers were inconsistent at BYU and may struggle to improve once entering the NBA. His supporters agreed.
But when Egor finished his run through the NBA's summer circuit, he had knocked through over 40% of his attempts from distance. A smooth stroke with a delicate follow-through meant his jumper was reaching the rim gently, accurately, and reliably. Though still a small sample size, his upside as a shooter was undeniable -- he's got the oomph necessary to improve as a scorer.
EGOR DEMIN WHAT A DUNK pic.twitter.com/7OWqRls3Cx
— Brooklyn Netcast (@BrooklynNetcast) July 16, 2025
His supporters replied by reminding others that Demin boasts playmaking wizardry at his fingertips, and a taste and excitement for ball distribution superior to that of any other player in the class. That skill, paired with his otherworldly size, could make Egor one of the best players to come out of this year's draft. His adversaries shared this sentiment.
A positive attribute, and the reason Brooklyn took such an early swing at him with the eighth overall pick. Imagine the basketball world's surprise when his new off-ball role proved fatal to his playmaking chops. In his final appearance, Demin coughed up six turnovers to supersede his Summer League total of four assists. Four.
Unfamiliar in a new role? Probably. Adapting to the NBA game? Most definitely. Confounding in every sense of the world? Absolutely.
So, at the end of the Summer League cycle for Egor, what can we take away for the upcoming season? My head is too busy spinning to answer that at the moment.