SAN ANTONIO — First, Egor Dëmin, the first big brick in the Nets rebuild, showed he can shoot. Then in Friday’s home opener, he proved he’s not scared of the moment.

The next step for Dëmin in unlocking his playmaking is touching the paint. When that finally happens — and he can fully leverage his basketball IQ and court-mapping — it’ll take the Nets and their prized lottery pick to another level.

“That’s definitely something I’ve got to improve in my game, getting to this new level, new physicality,” Dëmin said. “This is where my playmaking can be on a different level, when I get to the paint more, especially with the shooters we have.

“We have a lot of shooters, and for me getting to the paint is an opportunity to make their lives easier and create something good for them. So that’s something I’m really having in focus. And I’m really planning to work on it even more and trying to adjust myself so I can be able to do that more.”

The Nets taking Dëmin with the No. 8 pick was panned due to assumptions a poor jumper would render him unable to play off the ball. But after a hot summer league and camp, he’s 7-for-11 from deep through two games.

Egor Dëmin drives around Craig Porter Jr. in the second half of the Nets’ loss to the Cavaliers on Oct. 24, 2025. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST

The seven are tied with Keegan Murray for the third most by a rookie in their first two games in NBA history, and the 63.6 percent shooting is sixth this year among players averaging 5.5 attempts.

“I’ve never questioned my shot,” Dëmin shrugged. “Back in college, I’ve been shooting, and I will be shooting. So that’s not something that I’m really doubting.”

That shot with his size (6-foot-8 ¼, 6-10 ¼ wingspan) gives Dëmin a floor as a solid wing. Touching the paint will give him a higher ceiling as a jumbo lead guard.

“Egor, he’s a great player, and even a better human. I’m really glad we added him,” Ziaire Williams said. “He’s tall. Honestly, when I first saw him I’m like, ‘Damn, you’re tall.’ Great size, plays the right way. And … he’s poised, man.

“I’m excited to see his future.”

Egor Dëmin shoots a 3-pointer in the second half of the Nets’ loss to the Cavaliers. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST

Dëmin comes into Sunday’s tilt at the Spurs averaging 11.5 points, 5.5 boards and three assists — albeit with too many turnovers and too few drives.

He hasn’t taken a single 2-pointer this season. From summer league on, he’s a scalding 19-of-37 from deep, but just 2-of-6 inside the arc.

Bulk will help. So will ballhandling. But most of all, Dëmin said it’s a matter of bravery, using the word courage.

“It’s everything, overall. Mentality is a big part of it, too, how aggressive I am mentally,” Dëmin said. “For now, I wish I was more aggressive putting pressure on the rim. That’s what I’m missing in my game right now, those last two games.

“And this is where it’s going to open so much more opportunities for all of us — for me personally and for my teammates. That’s something I’ve got to get together physicality-wise, technical-wise and mentally.”

That courage helped Dëmin on Friday vs. Cleveland, when he played his first clutch minutes in the NBA.

Tyrese Proctor drives into Egor Dëmin during the first half of the Nets’ loss to the Cavaliers. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST

Scoreless through three quarters, he had nine in the fourth on 3-of-5 from deep to help the Nets cut what had been a 25-point deficit to one.

“That’s an amazing experience, to have a chance to play in those clutch minutes against a team like Cleveland,” Dëmin said. “It’s about learning how to fight back.

“For me, it was important to really understand how to approach these types of situations.

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“I didn’t really feel nervous; nerves aren’t really helping you at this point. Especially when we got to this run at the end, because when we do things and it’s successful, you start feeling better. You just start feeling the rhythm of the game, the fans are cheering, and it’s more courage.”

The courage to make a rare drive-and-kick in that late run, and it resulted in a Williams 3 to cut the deficit to five with 5:18 left. And Dëmin hit a 3 of his own to cut it to one with 3:48 to play, drawing the loudest roar of the night.

“He was real great. Staying composed,” Cam Thomas said. “I’m glad we have him.”

The Nets have every reason to be happy with their lottery pick. Once he starts driving, they’ll be ecstatic.