Egor Demin Draws Comparisons to NBA Elite

Evaluating talent for the NBA Draft is an imprecise science. Observers are all but unanimous that Duke forward Cooper Flagg will be selected first overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 NBA Draft. Rutgers guard Dylan Harper is widely regarded as the second-best player in this year’s class. After that, things get dicey.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the assessment of BYU guard Egor Demin. The 6’9 ballhandler has a great wingspan and amazing court vision. He lacks a three-point shot and the blinding speed usually associated with his position. That’s led scouts and pundits to rank him anywhere between a potential star and a complete bust, a variance bigger than any potential draftee this season.

In his latest substack [subscription required], NBA writer Marc Stein examines the ins and outs of the 19-year-old Real Madrid veteran. He highlights comparisons to Flagg, Harper, and Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic, suggesting that the basketball world may be sleeping on the highest upside player in the draft outside of the Top Two.

Demin’s passing ability gets high praise in the article. Stein highlights the fearless way Demin interprets the game:

Me being a risk-taker, it applies to me not being scared to do a beautiful pass or something like this,” Demin said. “You don’t predetermine a pass. But at the same time, really having this feel of seeing what can happen. I’m really trying to analyze and see the game a step ahead of you.”

Stein also cites an NBA scout calling Demin “very cerebral” and his college coach, Kevin Young, labeling him “a thinker”.

Young tries to calm fears about Demin’s 27.3% three-point mark. The coach cites the added number of catch-and-shoot opportunities afforded NBA players before affirming his confidence in Demin’s future.

“The kid,” Young said, “is going to be able to shoot the ball.”

Stein cited multiple teams drafting between 6th and 15th for whom Demin has worked out, including the Portland Trail Blazers at the 11th spot.

How do you feel about Egor Demin as a potential Trail Blazers draft candidate? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.