The Utah Jazz hold the No. 5 and No. 21 picks in the 2025 NBA Draft. Although they were unlucky in the draft lottery falling to No. 5 after their league-worst 17-65 record in 2025, the Jazz still have the opportunity to capitalizered on their two first round picks. They have decisions to make on who they want to build around. After signing forward Lauri Markkanen to a five-year, $238 million extension, it seems Utah’s front office values the production he can provide long-term. However, a young contributor like center Walker Kessler still needs to prove his worth as he faces a potential contract extension. Adding to the foundation in 2025 is important and they could look no further than in the state of Utah as BYU has intriguing talent entering this year’s NBA Draft. BYU combo guard Egor Demin‘s fit with Utah is in the center of those discussions.
Egor Demin’s Fit With the Utah Jazz at No. 21
In-State Connection
Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith and CEO Danny Ainge have an ongoing relationship with Demin due to their connection as BYU alums. Ainge has attended many BYU basketball games over the years. The connection between BYU and the Jazz has only grown stronger, especially with the addition of first-year head coach Kevin Young to the program.
Whether or not the franchise is focused on scouting an NBA-level prospect like Demin, they will always have their eyes on and immense support for BYU’s basketball program.
In a post-game interview during the season, Young commented on his healthy relationship with Utah Jazz head coach Will Hardy:
Kevin Young on his relationship with Utah Jazz head coach Will Hardy. pic.twitter.com/3ilyvee7hA
— Ben Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) December 12, 2024
Demin’s Prospect Evaluation
Demin spent his one-and-done season at BYU where he averaged 10.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. He displayed his unique 6-foot-9, 190-pound frame by creating mismatches on smaller defenders who can’t block his line of sight. He is one of the best passers in the 2025 NBA Draft. Demin has a special ability to create for his teammates and it showed through the quickness in his reads and the velocity at which the ball arrived. As the season continued, he became a more dynamic player offensively as he got more comfortable.
His comfort was apparent late as in March Madness, he had great all-around performances, helping BYU reach the Sweet 16. Demin’s experience at Real Madrid before committing to BYU was beneficial as he became an effective presence in an off-ball centric system. However, his long-distance stroke and physicality at the rim need to improve.
At the NBA Combine, Demin had a productive shooting workout, lacing 14-out-of-25 threes (56%). This performancec gives teams confidence about the progress of three-point shot while also placing him back in the lottery conversation.
Fit Into Utah’s Future Plans
The Jazz are in prime position to pursue the Russian combo guard in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft. Selecting Demin with No. 5 would be quite rich, but his availability at No. 21 remains a possibility. Demin would make for a great upside wing for the team to develop. Since the beginning of this rebuild, the Jazz have selected some quality contributors in their most recent drafts. With the great potential Demin possesses, he would only add to that list.
Utah could utilize Demin’s strengths as the team lacks the traits he brings to the table as a combo guard. Players like Taylor Hendricks, Keyonte George, Isaiah Collier, and Kyle Filipowski have given valuable minutes in their young careers. However, Demin provides a skill set that combines a majority of their strengths into a single prospect. His fit in Hardy’s high-tempo offense would suit him perfectly with his transition and off-ball movement. Jazz fans need hope for the future and selecting a BYU prospect to continue their rebuild could bring much excitement.
Photo credit: © Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
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