The Brooklyn Nets have been focused on developing the young players. One of the most promising players this season has been rookie guard Egor Demin. While he is a talented player, Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez wants more.

Demin has plenty of strengths, but physicality has been a sticking point. Fernandez has noticed this to the point that he is willing to sub Demin out.

Fernandez wants more from Demin

In his rookie season, Demin has been impressive. He has surpassed a lot of expectations, especially with his three-point shooting. He is averaging 10.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game.

He is making 39.5% from behind the three-point line, which is an amazing number for a rookie guard. Demin has tons of potential, considering he is only 19. However, he can still improve how he plays against more physical players.

MORE: Michael Porter Jr. praises Egor Demin after second career 20-point game

Coach Fernandez has a great eye for development, which is why he wants to highlight some of Demin’s weaknesses. He has not given up on helping him thrive, which is why he is challenging him to be more physical. 

Nolan Traore got the call during Friday’s game against the Chicago Bulls. He is also a 19-year-old rookie guard, but he is more in tune with NBA-level physicality. Fernandez believed it was the right call, and Demin can respond soon.

“I needed Egor to lead with his physicality. Those are conversations that he and I have. I know he could do it because late in the game against New Orleans, he guarded Trey Murphy; that physicality was great,” Fernandez said after beating the Bulls.

“I know he can do it, but when we start a quarter, I know he can do it. When he doesn’t bring that level of physicaity, if he can’t do it, I’m fine with it, but I know he can.”

Fernandez is doing well with developing his players because he knows their strengths and encourages them to improve. At the same time, he also challenges them to be better players, which can go a long way, especially for Demin.

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