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The Brooklyn Nets are in a tough situation, as they're coming off a 20-win season with subpar production from four of their five first-round picks from the 2025 draft. That one player who performed at least to expectations was former BYU Cougars guard Egor Demin.
During his rookie campaign, he averaged 10.3 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game while dispelling concerns about his three-point jumper, as he connected on 38.5% of his shots from beyond the arc. He leaned into his jumper too much even, as 6.2 of his 8.6 shot attempts were from deep — a massive change from his time in Provo when he relentless in driving to the hoop and finishing high thanks to his 6-foot-8 frame.
But with an offseason of work under his belt, the switch flipped for Demin at 2026 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. The Russian guard averaged 21.0 points and 4.3 assists per game, leading the Nets in both categories. Demin was shut down after just three games, clearly showing that he was too good for summer league, yet it didn't stop him from being named to the 2026 NBA All-Summer League Second Team.
Demin was joined by Memphis Grizzlies guard Cedric Coward, Minnesota Timberwolves guard Zyon Pullin, Charlotte Hornets forward Liam McNeeley and Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach. Each of Coward, McNeeley, Maluach and Demin are in their second seasons and looking to improve upon their rookie campaigns.
If Demin can parlay an elite summer league performance into the NBA regular season, an All-Star and All-NBA ceiling isn't out of the question for the former Cougar.
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This article originally appeared on BYU Cougars Wire: Egor Demin earns Second-Team All-Summer League honor
