ESPN, which Mike Richmond points out is usually right, predicts we'll take Egor. He's a 6'9" PG (though he can't guard PGs, but that's not a problem because we have multiple wings that can guard PGs.) Shot mechanics are excellent, but still only shot 27 3fg%. Defense is also a work in progress. He's Russian. 11. Portland Trail Blazers Egor Demin, PG/SG, BYU Freshman | TS%: 51.3 Combine measurements: Height without shoes: 6-9¼ | Weight: 199 Standing reach: 8-9½ | Wingspan: 6-10¼ Intel and fit: Demin had a positive week at the combine in Chicago, measuring bigger than expected at 6-9½ in shoes and then putting on one of the most impressive pro day performances we've seen in some time, causing even the most skeptical of NBA evaluators to acknowledge his undeniable talent. Demin has made significant gains with his body and will continue to fill out, while making a barrage of 3-pointers with picture-perfect mechanics and a lightning-quick release that offered significant room for optimism despite hitting 27% of his 3-pointers in his lone season at BYU. Also, NBA teams raved about his interviews in Chicago. The Trail Blazers can go in several directions with this pick, and adding a big guard with a strong feel for the game who can slide into different roster configurations could be interesting long term. -- Givony
I think if the Blazers stay at 11, this would be a perfect pick. You are not drafting for need, you are taking BPA at 11. If Schmitz says he is BPA, take him.
I am totally down with that. At that height and with the BBIQ he has shown, he's a poor man's Jokic. He'll be able to pass over defenders. With Sixers looking to trade 3rd pick to get rid of George, I'd send them Ayton as an Embiid insurance policy and grant and take George and 3rd pick. Then send Simons to Magic for 16 and filler. Draft Bailey, Demin and a good C prospect at 16. We'd be set for years. Alternatively, an insane one - pack #3, 11, 16, George and 28 swap back to Bucks for Giannis. Scoot, Shae, Camara, Deni, Giannis, Clingan, Walker, Murray plus bench fillers. That is a contender right there
To me, as the 3rd worst three point shooting team in the league, I draft a wing that can flat out shoot threes. We dont need a 6'10' pg that cant shoot....
ESPN's mock has the wrong listed height for Demin. He's 6'8.25" barefoot. It's funny with Demin, I believe the shooting will get there to a reasonable degree and I'm pretty ok with the defense, especially as he adds strength but the handle vs pressure, ability to get low and get into the paint and overall just scoring efficiently makes me question is he's just a middling usage wing in the NBA rather than a primary guy. Makes his standout passing and size less special/valuable for me
Seems, Chauncey wants Defense and Shooting. We have Deni at 6'10 that can bring the ball up on an as needed basis.
Understood. The problem with this sort of logic leads to never drafting a player like Giannis or Joker.
My first thoughts exactly when the measurements were confirmed. But still, if he is BPA, take him. If he is gone and Schmitz thinks Queen is BPA, take him.
I watched a highlight package of him on youtube or most of it and a couple things stuck out to me. 1) He has very deliberate movement at times then at times with moments that impress me ( pump fakes etc ) 2) IF he was not almost 6'10 he would be undrafted or a late 2nd round pick at best Honestly if he was willing to get to like 215 to 220 and move to a more SF ( point forward ) / PF ( light one ) I might be convinced he might be worth a gamble but if he wants to stay around 200 ish then it's a solid NO for me. After more thought he reminds me of a more raw Deni with maybe better play making
I think the thing is he won't be the primary PG if we pick him. The Blazers essentially could put three guys in the starting lineup that could bring the ball up and facilitate the offense depending on who draws the more favorable matchup. Demin isn't strictly a PG. He's big enough to still outsize most team's SF. He's as tall and long as some teams' 4s.
Giannis doesn’t fit our timeline whatsoever but I do like the attempt to get to 3 with Philly and absorb the pg deal for them
Listening to local talker in PHX. They are saying PG is cooked. May never play again. Clippers laughing about it.
? Is this a trick question? We are talking about BASKETBALL, right, where the hoop is high off the ground? You're not thinking of horse racing or something?
