CHICAGO – The 2025 NBA Draft offered plenty of twists, but one name popped up for the wrong reasons. According to Jeremy Woo of ESPN, NBA executives branded Egor Demin as the biggest reach of this year’s class. The Nets took him at No. 8. Many insiders think that’s far too early.
Egor Demin Gets Unfortunate Title As Biggest Reach By NBA Execs
Brooklyn owned five first-round picks. They gambled on multiple playmakers to reset their rebuild. Demin, at 6-foot-9, stands out for his vision and size. But he struggled at BYU, flashing as many concerns as highlights.
“Even if you believe in [Demin] as a starting NBA point guard — and I don’t — it seems like he would’ve been gettable at the end of the lottery, or even later,” one Eastern Conference exec told Woo. That skepticism fueled why executives viewed Egor Demin as the biggest reach.
However, Demin has already pushed back on the consensus about his shot. His shooting has looked better than expected. He hit 43.5% from three on 7.7 attempts. Now, he just needs to prove the Nets got it right taking him at No. 8.
Yang Hansen Surprises Too
Yang Hansen came next in votes. Portland stunned the room when they grabbed Yang at No. 16. Many projected him early second round. He turned heads at Summer League with 10.8 points and smart passing, but some scouts flagged defensive concerns.
“I like [Yang] — just didn’t see it coming, with him going right outside of the lottery,” another Eastern exec said. The Blazers bet big on potential but know Yang needs to answer questions to dodge his own biggest reach talk.
Cedric Coward’s Risk Factor
Cedric Coward, taken at No. 11 by Memphis, rounded out the top three on Woo’s list. Memphis got him through a swap with Portland. He only played six college games due to injury. The Grizzlies want him to help replace Desmond Bane, who’s now in Orlando.
“He’s a raw talent who needs to learn the game,” a Western scout told Woo. “But if he can shoot and defend [and it translates], there’s a chance with his physical intangibles.”
His upside is real. But like Egor Demin, Coward could be the biggest reach also if his shot and defense don’t click quickly. The Grizzlies could have gotten him later.
Draft Room Realities
Other picks got nods for the same reason — raw tools, unrefined game, and front offices swinging big. Thomas Sorber, Drake Powell, and Collin Murray-Boyles all drew a few side-eyes. One scout declined to vote, summing it up: “If [your] team believed in the guy, then take your guy.” Interestingly, Murray-Boyles got votes as the biggest steal of the draft so he’s a slightly polarizing prospect.
Still, it’s clear who headlines this conversation. Whispers about Egor Demin as the biggest reach won’t fade overnight. Demin needs to silence them on the court. Brooklyn’s rebuild depends on it.
Credit: © David Banks-Imagn Images
The post 6-Foot-9 Rookie Gets Unfortunate Title As Biggest Reach appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.