Yegor Demytin Becomes First Russian NBA Player Since 2019

The 2025 season marks a pivotal moment for Russian basketball, as Yegor Demytin has officially ended a six-year drought of Russian representation in the National Basketball Association. The last Russian player to grace the NBA courts was Timofey Mozgov, who departed the league in 2019. Since Mozgov's exit, no Russian player had managed to secure a roster spot in the world's premier basketball league.

Over the past three decades, the NBA has seen a limited number of Russian talent, with only ten players from the country making it to the league. Demytin now joins this exclusive group as the eleventh representative, a statistic that highlights the rarity of Russian players reaching this elite level.

The significance of Demytin's arrival extends beyond just filling a roster spot; it represents a renewed connection between Russian basketball and the NBA. For six years, the league lacked a Russian voice, but the 2025 draft changed that dynamic permanently.

In a historic summer for Russian sports, Yegor Demytin was selected with the 8th overall pick in the NBA Draft. This selection is particularly noteworthy as it sets a new record for the highest draft position ever achieved by a Russian player. The previous benchmark was significantly lower, making Demytin's selection a landmark event for the country's basketball prospects.

The Brooklyn Nets organization made the decisive move to draft the 211-centimeter playmaker. The New York-based franchise saw enough potential in the young athlete to use their high lottery pick on him. This investment signals the Nets' commitment to rebuilding and developing young talent, specifically looking toward the future with Demytin as a cornerstone.

At just 19 years old, Demytin carries the weight of high expectations. The combination of his height—211 centimeters—and his role as a playmaker makes him a unique asset in the modern game. The Brooklyn Nets' decision to draft him so high suggests they view him as a player who can make an immediate impact while continuing to develop over the coming seasons.

Yegor Demytin has integrated into the Brooklyn Nets rotation with surprising speed for a rookie. Despite playing for one of the league's weaker teams, Demytin has earned significant playing time, averaging around 24 minutes per game. This level of trust from the coaching staff is rare for a 19-year-old rookie, indicating that his development is a priority for the franchise.

As of the end of December, Demytin's statistics demonstrate a well-rounded contribution to the team. In his first 27 games, he has established himself as a reliable contributor with averages of:

• 9.3 points per game
• 3.1 rebounds per game
• 3.4 assists per game

These numbers reflect a player who is still adjusting to the speed and physicality of the NBA but is showing clear signs of potential. The assist numbers, in particular, highlight his playmaking ability, which was a key factor in his high draft selection.

His performance on November 28 against the Philadelphia 76ers stands out as his best game of the season so far. In that matchup, Demytin recorded a stat line of 23 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists. Although the Nets lost the game 103-115, this performance showcased his ability to step up against strong competition and produce at a high level.

The Brooklyn Nets currently find themselves in a rebuilding phase, ranking among the weakest teams in the NBA standings. This environment, while challenging, provides a unique opportunity for a young player like Yegor Demytin. Without the pressure of championship expectations, he can focus on development, learning the nuances of the professional game, and adapting to the NBA style of play.

Playing in New York offers Demytin exposure to one of the league's largest markets and most passionate fanbases. The Nets' organization has a history of developing international talent, and Demytin fits perfectly into their current strategy of building through the draft and youth development.

Despite the team's struggles, Demytin's consistent minutes suggest that the coaching staff views him as part of the long-term solution. The trust placed in a 19-year-old rookie on a struggling team is a strong vote of confidence in his abilities and future potential within the franchise.