Egor Demin

Measuring in as the tallest guard prospect at this year’s NBA combine, Demin has an enticing blend of size and passing acumen. He thrives in pick and roll and can zip passes over the top of defenses to rolling big men and cutters. He has room to improve as a scorer, having inconsistent shooting stretches over the season. With that being said, Demin finished well around the rim when he could get past defenders. An injury riddled season at BYU made it hard to get a full grasp on his skill set, as he struggled to play through contact and score efficiently. He ended up playing his best basketball at the very end of the season, which makes me wonder if injuries played a large part in his tough mid-season stretch. Outside of his passing vision, there are plenty of swing skills that Demin will have to improve on to fulfill his potential.

Strengths:

  • Versatile weapon as a pick and roll ball-handler. Can hit the roller, throw skip passes, or get all the way to the rim.

  • Comfortable playing the lead-guard role and running offense. Has a bit of wiggle off the dribble.

  • Had flashes of being able to score at all three levels. Solid jump shot mechanics despite below-average efficiency.

  • Impacted the game on defense with his ability to grab steals and used his length well in passing lanes.

Weaknesses:

  • Inefficient scorer overall and specifically struggled as a jump-shooter.

  • Had rough games against physical defenses in conference play. Will need to improve his ball handling to consistently beat pressure defense on the perimeter.

  • Concerns about his defensive fit given he’s not a twitchy enough athlete to guard point guards and will need to put on size to guard bigger forwards in the NBA.