Demin Steps Into Starting Lineup as Nets Adjust to Thomas’ Hamstring Injury
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Rookie guard Egor Demin made his first NBA start on Friday night and is expected to stay in the lineup while Cam Thomas nurses a strained left hamstring, Brooklyn head coach Jordi Fernández said.
Demin, the No. 8 pick in the 2025 draft, finished the game with eight points, seven assists and only one turnover. Fernández praised the 20-year-old’s decision-making and highlighted his 6-foot-9 wingspan on defense, noting that Demin grabbed three rebounds and should disrupt passing lanes with his length.
Late in the second quarter, Fernández pulled Demin aside after the guard forced two contested shots during Detroit’s 9-0 run. “It’s important to hear advice from him during the game,” Demin said afterward, adding that the coach’s clear communication helps the entire roster.
Thomas sidelined 3–4 weeks
Thomas, averaging a team-high 24.1 points, is expected to miss three to four weeks. Speaking to reporters, the third-year guard said this strain is “way different” from last season’s hamstring injury and feels less severe. “I dodged a bullet with that,” he said.
Porter takes on larger role
With Thomas out, forward Michael Porter Jr. will shoulder a heavier scoring load. Porter, acquired from Denver in July, said he is pushing himself to adapt. “As the season goes on, I’ll get even more comfortable figuring out how I can get good looks against some of these really good defenders,” he said.
Clowney’s scoring surge
Second-year big man Noah Clowney reached double figures for the third consecutive game since entering the starting unit, matching his career high with four three-pointers in one quarter and finishing with a season-best 19 points on Friday.
Source: Hoops Rumors
