Egor Dëmin keeps hearing about the added strength, and for good reason. It has already shown up in the places that matter most: driving the lane, finishing through contact and playing with more force. But Dëmin says the physical change is only part of the story.
He wants more responsibility with the ball, more chances to create, and more chances to hunt the best defender on the other side.
“I’ve been working there a lot this summer, so I’m willing to take a role and take those opportunities to go there,” Dëmin said, adding how he wants to create, as he did at BYU where he got the reputation as having the best court vision in his draft class. That’s not something we saw much of last year. Defense is a priority as well, he said.
”Last season it was harder for me, but I think this year what I’m emphasizing on is getting to the lane, getting to the paint, which is going to open up so much more opportunities for exactly that,” Dëmin said. “For being able to create not just for myself but for others and having opportunities for passes and playing in transition, playing fast basketball with gravities like Mike [Porter Jr.], like Julius [Randle], like Mikel [Brown Jr.].”
That vision matters for a Brooklyn offense that should look different in more than one way. Mikel Brown Jr. is one of the most electric passers in this draft class, Julius Randle averaged five assists a game last season, and Joshua Jefferson, the No. 28 pick in the draft, spent time as a point forward at Iowa State. Jefferson, a 6-foot-9, 240-pounder, will likely spend plenty of time out on the island, but his skill set adds another layer to the mix.
All of that, paired with Dëmin’s new strength, could give Jordi Fernandez’s offense some fresh wrinkles.
Dëmin sees the opening. Porter Jr., Randle and Brown can bend defenses, create space and finish the looks he sets up, which gives Brooklyn more options once he gets into the paint.
Porter Jr. believes the fit should work for everyone. He’s not just a scorer anymore, and he sees Dëmin as a guard who can handle either backcourt spot.
“So, I think Egor is very comfortable playing the point guard position or the shooting guard position,” Porter said at Media Day. “I mean, I think he definitely has physically matured enough to play the point guard if that was needed because guys aren’t bothering him when he’s pressured.
“And now that he’s getting in the paint and finishing around the rim, I think he’ll make a humongous jump.”
Dëmin, for his part, is eager to get back to a more familiar style. Last season, he said, he spent more time off the ball. At BYU, the ball lived in his hands far more often.
“I think last season it was a lot more off the ball, kind of catch-and-shoot type of plays,” Dëmin said. “While at BYU I was 80% of the game, I was with the ball in my hands.”
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