{
  "id": 107523,
  "title": "Nets' Egor Demin, Mikel Brown Jr. will be key pieces next season",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/04/nets-egor-demin-mikel-brown-jr-will-be-key-pieces-next-season",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-04T00:34:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nets-egor-demin-mikel-brown-003415803.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Brooklyn Nets guards Egor Demin and Mikel Brown Jr. are set to play crucial roles in the upcoming season, as they both have work to do on their game improvement. The duo shared court time during the California Classic and Las Vegas Summer League, but questions linger on how effective they can be next season. John Schuhmann of NBA.com emphasized that while the Nets' standing in the Eastern Conference is currently ranked 14th, the real focus should be on how they improve in future seasons. According to Schuhmann, Demin and Brown combined to take 51 of their 85 Summer League shots from beyond the three-point line, which may not be ideal given Demin's size and Brown's athleticism. Brown will need time to find his footing, while Demin must make significant strides to prove he has a bright future for the franchise. When the new season begins, Demin and Brown are anticipated to form the starting backcourt, alongside Michael Porter Jr., Julius Randle, and Day'Ron Sharpe. Although Porter, Randle, and Sharpe have proven themselves, it will be on Demin and Brown to rise to the occasion and help Brooklyn surpass expectations. Currently projected as one of the worst teams in the league, the Nets could potentially surprise many with the improved performance of Demin and Brown.",
  "summary": "Brooklyn Nets guards Egor Demin and Mikel Brown Jr. are still young players, but NBA.com's John Schuhmann ponders what they'll look like next season.",
  "key_points": [
    "Egor Demin and Mikel Brown Jr. will be key pieces for Brooklyn Nets next season.",
    "Nets currently ranked 14th in Eastern Conference, aiming for improvement.",
    "Demin must enhance game, Brown needs time to find footing."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Nets' prospects for next season hinge on guards Egor Demin and Mikel Brown Jr. stepping up to help veterans like Michael Porter Jr. and Julius Randle exceed expectations and propel the team beyond its projected standing.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Orlando Brown Jr. feeling his 'best' as Bengals enter critical season",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/03/orlando-brown-jr-feeling-his-best-as-bengals-enter-critical-season",
        "published": "2026-08-03T18:03:15.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Newsweek",
        "title": "Jaylen Brown Puts Celtics on Notice Ahead of 76ers Season",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/04/jaylen-brown-puts-celtics-on-notice-ahead-of-76ers-season",
        "published": "2026-08-04T14:12:15.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}