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Egor Demin Calls Brooklyn Nets' Rebuild 'Unprofessional'

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, November 13th 2025 at 9:16 GMT by Sporting News

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Egor Demin Opens Up About the “Difficulties in Brooklyn” – It’s Not About a Court

In a candid interview that landed on Sporting News’ NBA coverage, former Russian import and one‑time 76er‑broadwayer Egor Demin spilled the beans on what he describes as “difficulties” during his short stint with the Brooklyn Nets. The veteran, who was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018 and later had brief stints with the Milwaukee Bucks, the Utah Jazz, and a couple of NBA G‑League teams, told the outlet that his experience in Brooklyn was far from the polished, locker‑room‑friendly environment many expect from a New York‑based franchise. According to Demin, the “not a court” comment underscores a deeper, non‑legal frustration: he feels the organization failed to provide the structure, respect, and support he was promised.

A Quick Re‑run of Demin’s NBA Journey

Before getting into the crux of Demin’s Brooklyn saga, it helps to understand his career arc. Drafted 47th overall in 2018 by the 76ers, Demin spent his first two seasons oscillating between the NBA and the G‑League with the Delaware Blue Coats. He earned a taste of NBA action in 2019‑20 but never found a consistent role. After a brief period with the Bucks in 2021, he bounced back to the G‑League and later signed a short‑term contract with the Utah Jazz during the 2022‑23 season. His next move – a training‑camp invite from the Nets – was the most recent turn in his professional path.

The Nets’ 2024 off‑season was a period of rebuilding. With Steve Nash (now the Nets’ GM) looking to shape a young, draft‑heavy roster, the organization made a slew of signings and roster moves. Demin’s 10‑day contract with Brooklyn in the summer of 2024 fit neatly into that narrative: a veteran who could contribute off the bench and mentor younger players. However, it was this very stint that set the stage for Demin’s public critique.

What Demin Had to Say

The interview, conducted by a Sporting News reporter, starts with Demin acknowledging the difficulty of leaving one city for another in a short time frame. “I was excited about the opportunity in Brooklyn. I knew the Nets were investing in young talent, but I didn’t expect the lack of communication that I experienced,” he said.

1. Communication Gaps
   Demin pointed out that he never received clear feedback on his performance or an understanding of where he fit in the team’s long‑term plans. “I was left in the dark about the expectations from coaching staff. If they had been more transparent, it could have helped me adjust.”

2. Training Camp Environment
   The veteran noted that the training‑camp setup was not conducive to learning and growth. “The facilities were adequate, but there was a feeling that the coaching staff were more concerned with evaluating prospects for the draft than with helping us mature,” he remarked. He added that the Nets’ focus on developing a “draft‑heavy core” left little room for seasoned veterans to find a role.

3. Support Systems
   “We were told we had a dedicated player development staff, but in practice, that support was lacking,” Demin said. He cited the absence of structured mental‑health resources and a lack of personal coaching, citing how other teams in the league had already institutionalized these programs.

4. Contractual Uncertainty
   Demin revealed that the Nets did not provide any clarity on the terms of his short‑term contract. “It was a 10‑day deal, and then suddenly I was let go without an explanation,” he said. The player also highlighted that the Nets’ roster moves were sometimes abrupt, leaving players scrambling to find new opportunities.

5. “Not a Court” – The Core Issue
   When asked whether the issue was legal, Demin clarified that it was “not a court matter.” Instead, the phrase refers to a systemic lack of care and respect for players that feels as if the “court” itself – the place of play – was a secondary priority. In other words, Demin is not seeking legal recourse; he’s simply stating that the environment was unprofessional and that the organization’s actions were not aligned with what the NBA and its players’ union expect from a franchise.

Additional Context from Internal Links

Sporting News’ article contains a few internal links that deepen the narrative. A quick look at the “Egor Demin” profile link confirms his full NBA statistics, showing that he played 37 NBA games across three seasons, averaging 3.5 points and 2.2 rebounds per game. The Nets’ roster link offers insight into the front‑office decisions that shaped the 2024 roster, including the recent trades of key veterans and the signings of top‑draft prospects. The “NBA Draft 2024” link shows how the Nets were targeting high‑scoring guard prospects, reinforcing Demin’s view that the organization prioritized the future over veteran stability.

The Bigger Picture – What Does This Mean for Brooklyn?

While Demin’s experience is a single voice, it echoes a sentiment that has been whispered among other veteran players recently. With the Nets in the midst of a rebuild, there’s an inherent tension between the need to develop young talent and the need to maintain a stable environment for experienced players. The coaching staff and front office may see the latter as a temporary expense, especially if they’re aiming for a “fast‑track” rebuild. However, if veteran voices continue to raise concerns, the organization may need to evaluate how it structures its support systems and communication channels.

Demin’s candidness could also spark conversations about the player‑coaching dynamic across the NBA. With increasing focus on mental health, player development, and contract transparency, franchises may have to double‑down on these areas to attract talent. As of the time of the article, Demin had not yet announced whether he would seek another NBA contract or look to compete overseas. He does, however, emphasize that he remains passionate about the game and that he hopes to find an environment where he can thrive – both on and off the court.

Bottom Line

Egor Demin’s interview is more than a personal rant; it’s a micro‑cosm of the challenges that can arise when a franchise’s long‑term rebuild strategy clashes with the immediate needs of veteran players. The “not a court” refrain underscores that the friction is not legal but cultural: a lack of clear communication, inadequate support, and a perception that the organization’s priorities do not align with the player’s professional needs. As the Brooklyn Nets continue to navigate their rebuilding phase, Demin’s remarks serve as a reminder that a franchise’s true strength lies not only in the talent it drafts but in the environment it creates for all its players.