Egor Dëmin is looking to take a major step forward in his second NBA season. After focusing on getting stronger this summer, the Nets guard is ready to attack the rim more, embrace tougher defensive assignments, and expand his role.
Egor Dëmin knows exactly what he needs to work on this offseason.
After a rookie season that saw him spend much of his time playing off the ball, the Brooklyn Nets guard is entering his second NBA season determined to become a more complete and physical player.
Dëmin spoke with reporters Monday at Nets Media Day ahead of the start of training camp, discussing the work he put in over the summer, his goals for his second season, his development as a defender, and his excitement about playing alongside Brooklyn’s young core.
One of the biggest priorities for Dëmin this summer was getting stronger.
“The main priority for the summer, getting stronger, living in the lifting room,” Dëmin said.
The work was not limited to the weight room. Dëmin said he also focused on different aspects of his game beyond shooting while continuing to develop mentally and personally as he adjusts to life in the NBA.
That added strength could be particularly important as Dëmin looks to become more aggressive attacking the basket.
During his rookie season, Dëmin often operated as a catch-and-shoot player. He said that was a significant change from his time at BYU, where he estimated he had the ball in his hands for roughly 80% of the game.
This season, he wants to get downhill more often and consistently reach the paint.
“I think this year what I’m emphasizing on is getting to the lane, getting to the paint,” Dëmin said. “Which is going to open up so many more opportunities for being able to create not just for myself, but for others.”
Dëmin believes the combination of added strength, improved ball-handling, and a stronger mindset will help him accomplish that goal.
He also wants to make defense a priority.
Dëmin said he is willing to take on the responsibility of guarding the opposing team’s best player, viewing that role as an important part of earning minutes and becoming a more complete player.
“I’m willing to take a role and take those opportunities to go there and play defense first,” Dëmin said.
The Nets guard also believes his experience playing in Europe before coming to the United States helped make his transition to the NBA smoother. He said head coach Jordi Fernández’s European background has also helped, particularly because some of the terminology and drills used by Fernández were already familiar to him.
Dëmin is also looking forward to playing alongside Mikel Brown Jr., the No. 6 overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft.
The two have already developed a close relationship, with Dëmin referring to Brown as his “brother.” Rather than viewing himself as a mentor, Dëmin said he hopes he can help Brown navigate any adversity that comes with his rookie season.
“I think my goal is to make this group not just co-workers with each other, but being actual friends,” Dëmin said.
That sense of camaraderie could be important for a young Brooklyn team entering a season with plenty of expectations surrounding its developing core.
Dëmin also discussed what Julius Randle can bring to the group. He pointed to Randle’s scoring ability, passing, size and experience as reasons why the veteran forward can create opportunities for Brooklyn’s younger players.
With Randle and Michael Porter Jr. providing veteran experience alongside a group of young players, Dëmin believes the Nets can play faster, create more open looks and put more pressure on opposing defenses.
For Dëmin, though, the focus entering his second season remains on his own development.
After spending his rookie year adjusting to the NBA, he now wants to play with more strength, attack more aggressively, and embrace difficult defensive assignments.
The next step is seeing how those offseason improvements translate once the games begin.
