Brooklyn Nets fans must have been through a terrible ordeal in these last three seasons. Since the 2023-24 season, the Nets are 68-126 (.351), which is the fourth-worst record during that stretch. The losses have piled up and with a 10-20 record in 2025-26, Brooklyn’s campaign will continue to head in the wrong direction. However, there is a silver lining this season as the Nets may have found a gem in the 2025 NBA Draft. 

Egor Demin has been one of the few bright spots for Brooklyn right now. Even if the likes of Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, VJ Edgecombe, and some of his other peers may get more attention, that doesn’t mean he’s not as impactful, especially for the Nets. 

Versatility has been an important aspect of Demin’s game, as he’s done whatever’s been asked of him by Brooklyn head coach Jordi Fernandez. Against the Golden State Warriors, the Russian guard was tasked to be an offensive threat and he was doing his best Stephen Curry impression in knocking down seven 3-pointers on 14 attempts. 

Though the Nets lost to the Warriors, Brooklyn can take solace in the fact that Demin has become more confident with each game. He’s not afraid to take shots and has been a steady playmaker when given opportunities. The former BYU Cougar’s numbers reflect these as in the last two weeks, he’s had per-game averages of 16.0 points and 4.0 made 3-pointers. Offense clearly won’t be an issue for Demin, and with the Nets likely to take a developmental approach in 2026, the opportunities are there for the taking. 

In the past, there have been instances where young players break out and disappear once the games have larger implications, but that may not be the case with Demin. His game fits in with Michael Porter Jr., who was Brooklyn’s biggest offseason signing. Both are tall and athletic perimeter players who are talented scorers and they haven’t had problems playing together. The Nets clearly have a type, but it’s a step in the right direction for a franchise that admittedly hasn’t made their mark since rebranding from the New Jersey Nets. 

Egor Demin has been one of the reasons pundits and fans alike have been high on the 2025 NBA Draft class so far. He’s everything you want in a young player to build a franchise with: tall, talented, and willing to compete no matter what the circumstances may be. 

The Brooklyn Nets are not in any way going to be postseason contenders (even if a shot at the Play-In Tournament is still possible), but they have a piece that could help push their postseason future closer to reality.