Egor Dëmin has proven himself as a remarkable shooter during his rookie season with the Brooklyn Nets, showcasing undeniable talent from beyond the arc. After 50 games, the guard ranks ninth on NBA.com’s Kia Rookie Ladder, averaging 10.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per contest. His shooting efficiency stands out, as he has made 38.5% of his attempts from three-point range while attempting 6.3 shots per game, providing valuable spacing for his team.
The Crucial Next Phase: Becoming a More Aggressive Playmaker
While Dëmin’s shooting is a solid foundation, the key to evolving his game lies in his ability to penetrate defenses regularly. At present, he averages only 3.1 drives per game, a modest figure compared to elite point guards like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Cade Cunningham, who average 18.5 and 16.3 drives respectively. Increasing his capacity to attack the basket will transform how opponents defend him and elevate his overall impact on the court.
The importance of driving cannot be overstated in today’s NBA. When a player can threaten to get into the paint consistently, it forces defenses to collapse and helps open opportunities for teammates. Without that threat, a player becomes easier to guard, allowing defenders to focus on contesting jump shots without worrying about being beaten off the dribble.
Challenges Rookie Guards Face in Driving Aggressively
Driving effectively at the professional level requires more than mere aggressiveness. It demands excellent ball-handling, strength to withstand contact, the ability to change speeds, and the patience to maintain composure in tight spaces. It also requires comfort with making mistakes and learning from them rather than reverting to familiar, safer plays. This progression often involves deliberately placing oneself in uncomfortable positions to grow.
Nets head coach Jordi Fernández has recognized these challenges and emphasized that Dëmin’s summer development will be critical to making this leap. He acknowledged observable improvements and highlighted the importance of pushing beyond comfort boundaries during the offseason.
He’s working at it, and his summer of work will be the most important thing. He’s willing to get outside his comfort zone, and right now trying it in game reps is tough, but he’s putting in the extra work.
— Jordi Fernández, Brooklyn Nets Head Coach
Jason Kidd’s Perspective on Driving and Player Growth
Jason Kidd, a revered figure in Nets history and one of the all-time great point guards, has lent his insight on what distinguishes elite players. He underscored the significance of getting precisely where the player intends on the floor as the hallmark of greatness, which includes mastering various moves to gain separation such as step-backs, side-steps, or Euro steps.
Getting where you want is what you want,
Kidd said.
The great players all get where they want — step-back three, side-step three, to the rim, Euro step. Shooting you can work on, sometimes it just takes time. If you can stay the course and have patience, it will come. If you can’t get where you want to go, there’s no way you can get the shot off. I’d take that package, and that young man has it.
— Jason Kidd, Nets Legend and Hall of Famer
Kidd also described the tumultuous nature of a rookie point guard’s journey, likening it to trying to navigate complex responsibilities with minimal support. He stressed that experiencing discomfort and failure early accelerates learning and on-court growth.
It’s hard for anyone as a rookie,
Kidd observed.
It’s like a rookie quarterback with no offensive line trying to figure it all out on the fly. There’s a lot you’re responsible for, so you have to go through it, fail and be uncomfortable. The sooner you get uncomfortable, the sooner you grow.
— Jason Kidd
The Importance of Developing a Creation Mindset Beyond Shooting
Dëmin’s shooting ability creates an essential platform, but evolving into a creator who forces defenses to adjust will enhance his and the Nets’ offensive versatility. Players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Cade Cunningham serve as examples of point guards who use driving to strategically alter defensive schemes, opening lanes and creating opportunities not only for themselves but for their teammates.
Without this evolution, a shooter risks becoming too one-dimensional, limiting the offensive threat they pose. Having a dual threat as both a shooter and driver keeps defenders guessing and significantly bolsters a player’s value and effectiveness in the league.
Looking Ahead: Why Summer Progress Matters Most for Dëmin
Jason Kidd’s and Jordi Fernández’s assessments align in highlighting the approaching offseason as a pivotal period for Dëmin’s development. The summer provides the ideal setting to refine the physical tools, bolster confidence in driving, and push beyond comfort zones without the immediate pressures of game day. How effectively Dëmin uses this time could determine his trajectory in becoming a complete NBA player.
Dëmin’s journey reflects the broader challenge faced by many rookies who must balance shooting proficiency with playmaking skills to ascend from promising talent to impactful contributors. His progression will be closely watched, as it may signal his readiness to become a driving force for the Nets in coming seasons.
