​The Brooklyn Nets put together an impressive showing in the California Classic, finishing with two wins from three games. A major highlight was the emergence of the young standout, Egor Demin. The talented guard has been drawing attention for his performances as well as his routines both on and off the court. Yet Demin has heard the chatter and criticism that has followed him. Questions about his offseason content creation and social media posts portraying him away from the court have led some fans to wonder whether he’s putting in the work necessary for his second NBA season. His answer has been simple: let his play speak for itself.
“I’m not coming from a negative place, that’s for sure,” Demin recently said. “People be saying, ‘Man, get to the gym. What are you doing outside?’ But I just came from the gym. Don’t worry about me. I’m not going to show you how I’m getting better. They might think I’m not doing anything, but I could be getting better. I will be better next season.”
Early Summer League performances suggest he’s on that track. After a strong rookie year in which he established himself as one of the league’s premier young three-point shooters, Demin arrived at the California Classic noticeably stronger. The added muscle has translated to the floor, especially in areas where he previously faced challenges, such as finishing at the rim. Across two Summer League games in Sacramento, the former BYU standout averaged 23.0 points while shooting 15-for-27 from the field. Even more encouraging was his efficiency near the basket. Having attempted very few two-pointers in last year’s Summer League, Demin converted 11 of his 12 attempts inside the arc this time around.
That uptick in performance aligns with the focus he described in the offseason. “The lifting room was probably the biggest priority,” he said before Summer League. “Gaining some weight, making sure I’m good with my nutrition, using that strength, developing those habits of being more aggressive, looking for the gaps, getting into the paint, and getting used to contact.”
Brooklyn’s coaches have already noticed the change. Summer League coach Dutch Gaitley highlighted Demin’s newfound ability to attack the rim, while head coach Jordi Fernández credited the guard’s commitment in the weight room for helping him play through contact and create easier scoring opportunities. The improvements aren’t purely physical; they’re accompanied by a more mature approach and a willingness to take on greater responsibility within Brooklyn’s young core.
After a rookie season interrupted by plantar fasciitis, Demin has embraced a leadership role and has been more vocal about contributing beyond just his on-court performance. This mindset has become evident throughout Summer League, reflecting a player who has spent a full year in the NBA and is ready to contribute in meaningful ways to the team’s growth.
Demin’s approach to criticism has also been notable. Instead of responding in kind to outside opinions, he has focused on what matters most—his development and performance. The early results of his Summer League audition suggest the work is paying off. If he can maintain this trajectory, Demin is positioned to be a stabilizing force for Brooklyn as they navigate a promising yet still developing roster.
In summary, the Nets’ showing in the California Classic was highlighted by Demin’s physical and mental growth. The combination of added strength, improved finishing around the basket, and a more assertive, leadership-oriented mindset signals a player who is not only responding to external scrutiny but actively using it as motivation to elevate his game. As the season approaches, all eyes will be on how Demin translates Summer League momentum into sustained NBA production and leadership within Brooklyn’s evolving core.