Jordi Fernandez sent an urgent message to Yegor Demin after the bench in the 4th quarter

The Selection of Egor Demin by the Brooklyn Nets with their first lottery pick in 15 years he was much maligned. Much of that skepticism stemmed from the Russian point guard’s lack of shooting at BIU. However, he quelled those concerns over eight Summer League and NBA appearances, making 23 of 48 (43.8 percent) three-point attempts.

Of concern to the Nets is that Demin, who missed part of the preseason with a torn plantar fascia, has done virtually nothing offensively beyond that. The 19-year-old has yet to attempt two points in four regular season appearances. He is the first player in NBA history to start his career with 20 three-pointers in a four-game streak without attempting a double-header, according to Stathead.

Jordi Fernandes pushed Demin during the fourth quarter of Wednesday’s 117-112 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, after which he delivered an urgent message to the rookie about his lack of aggression.

“He has to understand that,” Fernandez said. “Obviously, I want him to touch the paint. Everybody will understand that he’s a threat from the three-point line, but he can’t play right behind the three. So touching the paint, splashing the ball (is what he needs to do). I’m fine if he ends up with a lot of threes and a lot of assists, but at some point, it’s possible when you can play more than two feet? We’re going to need things, but this is like the right steps, so I’m not that worried or anything.

Asked Jordi Fernandez about Egor Demin’s failure to try two to five games:

“He’s got to figure it out. Obviously, I want him to touch the paint. Everybody’s going to figure he’s a threat from the three-point line, but he can’t play right behind the three. . . . I’m fine . . .” pic.twitter.com/eDoEvI2rKsa

— Eric Slater (@erikslater_) October 30, 2025

In four games, Demin drove just seven times, according to NBA.com stats. Meanwhile, fellow rookie guard Ben Saraf has 29 shots in just nine more minutes of action.

Some of Demin’s limited details stem from his shortcomings as a ball-handler at this early stage in his development. So far, he has struggled to initiate offense or get past defenders at the NBA level. However, his pick-and-roll play — his biggest strength at BIU — is undone by his passivity.

Adjustments, Nets rookie Yegor Demin, must be entered at the beginning of the championship campaign

Demin was considered by many to be the best passer in the draft. However, he only recorded 11 assists through five NBA appearances (one preseason and four regular seasons). He recorded four assists in three Summer League games.

Pick number 8 was tentative in pick-and-rolloften taking the dribble and attempting to pass before bringing the defending big man into the mix.

That passivity also limits his P&R impact. He picks up his dribble and looks to pass before bringing the big man into any real confrontation.

He needs to attack harder downhill or try mid-range to take advantage of his playmaking ability. It’s too easy to defend now. pic.twitter.com/SaIeOkKsds7

— Eric Slater (@erikslater_) October 31, 2025

“It’s definitely something I have to improve on in my game getting to this new level, new physicality,” Demin said of his limited action following the Nets’ Oct. 24 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. “I think this is where my game can be at a different level, when I get to the paint more… We have a lot of shooters, and for me, getting to the paint is an opportunity to make their life easier and create something good for them. So that’s something that I’m really focused on. And I really plan to work on it even more and try to adapt to be able to do that more.”

While his arm has plenty of room for improvement, Demin admitted he will need to change his mindset to make a bigger impact on offense.

“I think mentality is a big part of it, how mentally aggressive I am,” he said. “For now, I’d like to be more aggressive in putting pressure on the rim. And I think that’s what’s missing in my game right now these last two games. That’s where it’s going to open up a lot more opportunities for all of us — me personally and my teammates. I think that’s something that I have to put together physically, technically and mentally.”

He asked Egor Demin about his lack of drive and failure to try two through two games:

“It’s definitely something that I have to improve in my game by getting to this new level, this new physicality. I think this is where my playing can be at another level, when I get to… pic.twitter.com/GgkboPHk1C

— Eric Slater (@erikslater_) October 25, 2025

Fortunately for the Nets, Demin will not miss the opportunity to play through growing pains during reservoir season. While rookie deficiencies on the offensive end have limited Brooklyn’s offense, the team has played at a respectable level in that regard.

The Nets’ 114.9 offensive rating ranks 14th in the NBA, and their 54.0 field goal percentage ranks 16th. Despite playing only rookies, they rank 15th in turnovers at 15.8 points per game. Brooklyn will return to action against the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday at the Barclays Center.