The Barclays Center has never exactly been a fortress for the Nets. Since Brooklyn arrived in 2012, the building has often been filled with visiting fans, and the franchise’s uneven run in the borough - including two different super team eras, one featuring three MVP candidates in their primes - hasn’t exactly helped change that.
Egor Demin, though, isn’t letting the crowd dictate the standard.
“I wouldn't say so, not necessarily," Demin said. "I want myself and the whole group to come every day to the gym and either, even when it's an off day, right, and attack it with full force, no matter if it's the off day, practice day, or the game day.
"I think no matter who we play, I expect us to come with that with the same level of energy and effort to win either as you know, whoever it is, but obviously the for the crowd is probably make difference. So, you know, some nights are louder than the other ones."
That mindset fits with what the Nets are hoping Demin becomes. The No. 8 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft has looked far more comfortable attacking downhill, putting pressure on the rim and knocking down shots from deep. Just as important, he has surprised plenty of people by showing he can run the offense as a point guard.
That wasn’t always the expectation. Before now, Demin had looked more like an off-ball guard or wing, especially given questions about how much he could handle the ball and create going downhill. If this version sticks, it gives Jordi Fernandez something valuable to work with.
Mikel Brown Jr. may still end up as the Nets’ ultimate floor general of the future, but Demin’s growth would make it much easier for Fernandez to stagger the two guards’ minutes. That kind of flexibility can change how a backcourt functions night to night.
Julius Randle has also already brought a different edge. He has made his presence felt on the court and in the locker room, helping establish a tone that wasn’t always there for this group last season.
He’s looked right at home as a No. 1 option, and he’s still doing the dirty work that sets a tone - the kind of stuff that shows up when a player is willing to dive on the floor for loose balls.
If Demin keeps trending up and Randle keeps steering things in the right direction, the Nets may have enough brewing to bring some of their own fans back through the doors.
In Other News...
Nets Just Unveiled A Throwback Look Fans Are Already Loving
The Nets are leaning into their history in a big way for 2026-27, unveiling a classic-edition uniform that honors the franchises ABA roots as part of the NBAs collaboration with Nike. Brooklyn is set to celebrate its 60th season with Eras Nights, and the throwback look will be worn 16 times as the team puts a sharper spotlight on the early years that helped shape its identity.
Theres also a timing element that should make the rollout feel even bigger for fans, with the new uniform slated to arrive right as the season gets going and the team shows off a new court design. It adds another layer to an offseason that already changed the look of the roster, with Brooklyn bringing in Julius Randle, signing Keon Ellis and Moe Wagner, and drafting Mikel Brown Jr. with the No. 6 pick. [Read more 🡒]
Nets Fans Finally Have A Real Mikel Brown Jr. Question
Mikel Brown Jr. is finally at the point where the questions around him are less about whether he belongs and more about when Brooklyn will actually get to see him in uniform. The rookie point guard, the Nets highest draft pick of the Brooklyn era, will miss the teams third preseason game, but he has been fully involved in recent practices while continuing to learn Jordi Fernandezs system after flashing promise in Summer League.
For a Nets team trying to sort out its next backcourt, Browns development has been one of the more closely watched storylines of camp. Fernandez has already voiced optimism about Brown and fellow rookie Egor Demin as pieces of the teams future, and Browns next checkpoint is the one fans have been waiting for all along: his first preseason run, assuming there are no setbacks between now and then. [Read more 🡒]
Nets Unbeaten Start Faces A Bigger Test As Rotation Gets Stronger
The Nets head into Monday night with a little more of the look they expected when camp opened, as Michael Porter Jr. and Day'Ron Sharpe are set to rejoin the lineup after sitting out the previous preseason game. Brooklyn is 2-0 so far, and this matchup with Washington offers a better read on how the group fits when more rotation pieces are available and the minutes start to resemble something closer to the regular season.
Washington also comes in unbeaten, and the Wizards should have Khris Middleton and Tre Mann back after they missed their last game. Even with Tristan Vukcevic and Jamir Watkins still out, this is shaping up as a useful early test for both teams, especially for Brooklyn as it tries to keep building rhythm while getting healthier in key spots. [Read more 🡒]