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When the Nets tipped off their preseason Tuesday night in Charlotte, a strong offseason by Egor Dëmin had buoyed hopes of a potential sophomore leap.
Brooklyn’s young guard said he’s not the player he was in summer league.
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He’s better.
“Yeah, my goal is to translate not just a part of what I did in summer league, but even more, right?” said Dëmin, who has worked to improve his driving and shore up his Achilles’ heel. “Obviously I had some more time after summer league, and I kept working on that stuff. And I think I’m even better right now than I was in summer league.”
The Nets can only hope so. That would give them a leg up in their rebuild.
Dëmin starting the Nets’ 124-90 preseason-opening win over the Hornets was hardly a surprise, but his getting the nod at point guard was noteworthy. And encouraging.
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Dëmin’s playing time was limited, though his 18:26 led all the starters.
He hit 2-of-3 from 3-point range (six points), but his repeated paint touches unlocked his passing. He handed out a game high-tying five assists, including a second-quarter drive down the lane and behind-the-back pass to Day’Ron Sharpe for a dunk.
Edor Dëmin dribbles the ball up court during the Nets’ 124-90 preseason win over the Hornets on Oct. 6, 2026 in Charlotte, N.C. NBAE via Getty Images
“Yeah, you see him with five assists in the first group; so he leads that group in assists, which is great,” said Jordi Fernández. “Egor was good. I want him aggressive to shoot or to touch the paint, and he’s done it the whole summer. He’s worked at it, he’s stronger, and now he’s very comfortable getting there. So, it’s great. He’s got to keep doing it, got to keep finding his teammates or getting good shots.”
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It showed not only the Nets’ faith that he was more capable of handling on-ball duties, but that they were less intent on force-feeding minutes to their sophomore point guards — regardless of struggles — and more intent on playing the best available, and winning.
After two years of tanking, it will be a welcome sight for fans.
Brooklyn tanked through two arduous seasons to get consecutive lottery picks…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nets-egor-demin-conditioning-weight-031255283.html
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Publish date : 2026-10-07 03:12:00
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