Nets Shut Down Rookie Egor Demin for Season

Plantar fascia injury ends promising debut campaign for 2025 first-round pick

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Brooklyn Nets have announced that rookie guard Egor Demin will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season due to a plantar fascia injury in his left foot. Demin, the Nets' first-round pick in 2025, had been dealing with discomfort in the foot that worsened over time. After consulting with medical experts, the team decided to shut him down to allow the injury to fully heal.

Why it matters

Demin was having a strong rookie season, averaging 10.3 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists while shooting 39.9% from the field and 38.5% from three-point range. His absence is a setback for the Nets, who were hoping the 19-year-old would continue developing as part of their young core. However, the team is optimistic Demin will be ready to go for a pivotal 2026-27 campaign after a full offseason of rehab and development.

The details

Demin initially suffered a plantar fascia tear during the offseason and missed several months rehabbing the injury. He returned to start the season but the discomfort in his foot continued to worsen, leading the Nets to eventually shut him down. Demin will not require surgery, and the team expects him to return to basketball activities early in the offseason and be a full participant in their summer development program.

  • Demin missed most of the offseason due to a plantar fascia tear.
  • He missed Brooklyn's last four games amid increased left foot soreness.
  • Demin's rookie season is now over, but he is expected to return to basketball activity early in the offseason.

The players

Egor Demin

A 19-year-old rookie guard for the Brooklyn Nets, selected 8th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft out of BYU.

Jordi Fernandez

The head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, who explained the team's decision to shut Demin down for the season.

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What they’re saying

“He's been a kid that wants to play, wants to be out there, wants to develop. There's nothing better than playing real games to get better. Obviously, when you have discomfort and it doesn't allow you to play at that level, we had to find solutions.”

— Jordi Fernandez, Head Coach, Brooklyn Nets (ClutchPoints)

“At the end of the day, the good thing is it's non-surgical procedure, which is good. And see what the timetable is. But obviously the summer and getting him to work and get better throughout the process and having a summer is important. So, the fact that he's not going to be able to play these 20-some games, it's not the best, because he wants to and we value real reps. But, also, his health is the No. 1 priority. And we're very, very optimistic and positive about it.”

— Jordi Fernandez, Head Coach, Brooklyn Nets (ClutchPoints)

What’s next

The Nets expect Demin to return to basketball activities early in the offseason and be a full participant in their summer development program, putting him on track to be ready for the 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

Demin's injury is a setback for the Nets, who were hoping the 19-year-old would continue developing as part of their young core. However, the team remains optimistic about Demin's long-term potential and is focused on getting him fully healthy during the offseason so he can make a strong impact next season.