Brooklyn Nets lottery pick Egor Demin has issued his first public response to those questioning his selection at No. 8 in the 2025 NBA Draft.
The 19-year-old guard, who played his freshman season at BYU, was labeled the “biggest reach on Draft Night” in an ESPN poll of NBA executives, according to Nets Daily.
Demin dismissed the criticism, saying outside opinions will not distract him from his development. “There were a lot of opinions and conversations around this, and it will always be like this, as far as I understand,” Demin said. “I try to simply isolate myself from any conversations and discussions of the public, I concentrate on my work and development together with people who help me to be the best version of myself.”
The 6-foot-8 playmaker averaged 10.6 points, 5.5 assists, and 3.9 rebounds during his lone college season, shooting 41.2% from the field and 27.3% from three-point range. His size, court vision, and passing ability made him one of the more unique prospects in the draft class, though his perimeter shooting drew mixed reviews.
Brooklyn officially signed Demin on July 3. He debuted in the NBA Summer League, where he averaged 11.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in three games, while connecting on 43.5% of his three-point attempts.
The Nets are entering a rebuild and see Demin as a potential cornerstone. His combination of height and guard skills gives them versatility in the backcourt, alongside newly acquired pieces.
While some executives questioned whether he should have been selected inside the top 10, the organization has expressed confidence in his long-term upside. The team is expected to give him significant developmental minutes in his rookie year.
