At 6-foot-9, BYU freshman Egor Demin could be next in a long line of supersized point guard’s who excel in the NBA. Averaging 17.0 points, 7.5 assists, and 2.3 steals per game while knocking down 55.0 percent of his threes, he’s looking like one of the 2025 NBA Draft’s real risers.
His offensive skillset mirrors Indiana Pacers floor general Tyrese Haliburton. His defensive traits that are similar to Atlanta Hawks rising star Dyson Daniels. Alone, the Russian playmaker brings a lot to a team, but together? In the NBA, his relative lack of explosiveness and strength could become obstacles to his success. Regardless, Demin has become a hot name for good reason.
He has had flaws, most of which are correctable. However, he does a lot that can’t be taught. His abilities as a facilitator, by far the most impressive part of his game, are instinctual. The deftness of his passes seems to be second nature.
Good passers see passing windows as soon as they open, great passers foresee where the passing window will open.
Egor Demin definitely belongs to the second category. pic.twitter.com/OkTCu9XZ6Z— Francesco Semprucci (@fra_sempru) November 17, 2024
That isn’t to say there wasn’t training and film study that made him more sharp, simply that it’s his gift. Add to that Demin refining his three-point stroke, and he’s a double-edged weapon as a player who can control the game but still play off of others. At the other end, he’s shown himself to be an asset with his ability to switch and swipe.
When the 2025 NBA Draft rolls around, he’ll have a number of lottery teams interested in his services.
BYU’s Egor Demin Solves Spurs’ Point Guard Problem
The San Antonio Spurs are currently projected to land the 10th overall pick in the upcoming draft.
Recent mock drafts, like that of Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman, have him creeping into the top-five. Given that the Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets, and Portland Trail Blazers are teams that could have a top-five pick and be looking for backcourt help, that’s feasible. However, there are several guard prospects with lottery talent, namely Dylan Harper (Rutgers), VJ Edgecombe (Baylor) and Tre Johnson (Texas).
Still, none of them fit the Spurs’ needs like Demin, so they should pray that he’s still available when they’re on the clock.
What He Brings To The Team
12-time All-Star, Chris Paul, is likely just a one-year rental for the San Antonio Spurs. Stephon Castle, the fourth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has been characterized as his understudy. Yet, early into his rookie season, Castle doesn’t look like a lead guard.
That isn’t to say he doesn’t know how to facilitate or initiate the offense. The Georgia native is just more of an off-guard or wing than a point guard. He’s more of a connector than play manipulator.
gettin’ fancy with it 🌟 pic.twitter.com/QWV0tFXI8P
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) November 8, 2024
Fortunately for Demin, the Spurs are willing to adjust their plans. Fortunately for San Antonio, Paul has already given them a template of how to succeed with both Demin and Castle. Because of his skillset, Demin can take the torch from Paul, allowing Castle to develop more organically rather than being thrown into the fire.
Demin Time
Though Victor Wembanyama is pretty comfortable taking shots beyond the arc, he’s still 7-foot-4 and needs to get shots around the rim. Without a true point guard on the roster in Wembanyama’s rookie season, San Antonio often had a hard time feeding him. When Paul leaves, there’s no need to revert to that.
Wemby off the lob from CP3! pic.twitter.com/A1MKFYsv6I
— WembyMuse (@Wemby_Muse) November 16, 2024
Demin’s passing ability will help them continue to take full advantage of Wembanyama’s skillset, which is essential for their success.
It’s not just Wembanyama though, as core players like Devin Vassell and Jeremy Sochan are frequently on the receiving end of assists. Even Castle, a timely cutter, has his game enhanced by great point guard play. So, by drafting Demin, he wouldn’t be stepping on anyone toes so much as teaching them how to square dance.
That being said, a starting lineup of Demin, Vassell, Castle, Sochan, and Wembanyama could cut a rug for the next 5-10 years.
