Egor Dëmin was part of a starting unit that Jordi Fernández sat in the third quarter, and the Nets responded by having their second team get them back in a game they ultimately lost to the Celtics 113-99.
But Fernández insisted he wasn’t singling out the rookie guard, whose struggles on defense were on display again Tuesday at Barclays Center.
Fernández wasn’t discouraged that Dëmin scored all 12 of his points in the first half and was part of an offense that wasn’t as crisp after halftime.
“Mistakes are fine,’’ Fernández said of Dëmin’s play late in the game. “I’m happy with the mistakes. I’m happy with the way he played. I wanted him to be aggressive, to keep taking shots and challenge himself defensively.”
Egor Dëmin (left) greets Noah Clowney during the Nets’ loss to the Celtics on Nov. 18, 2025 at Barclays Center. Jason Szenes / New York Post
Dëmin is part of a rookie class that has a lot of developing to do.
Danny Wolf was back in Brooklyn after spending much of the early part of his rookie year in the G-League, where he had solid numbers
“It’s about being where your feet are, no matter where you’re at,’’ Wolf said after shootaround prior to Tuesday’s game against the Celtics at Barclays Center. “Whether it’s here or Long Island, I try to get better.”
He’s hardly gotten any time with the Nets and was on the court for under two minutes Tuesday, along with fellow rookie Nolan Traore, in the loss.
Wolf has shown flashes on offense in the G-League.
“It’s good to go down there and get an opportunity to get reps, game reps or practice reps,’’ Wolf said. “And then come back here and continue to get better and do whatever they ask me to do.”
Wolf is one of the five first-round picks the Nets selected in May, along with Dëmin, Traore, Drake Powell and Ben Saraf.
Dëmin and Powell have played some solid games with the Nets, while Traore, along with Wolf, has spent most of his time in the G-League.
Egor Dëmin goes up for a layup during the Nets’ home loss to the Celtics. NBAE via Getty Images
Saraf started the first five games of the year with the Nets, but has played sparingly since and is out with a sprained left ankle he suffered in the G-League. He’s set to be reevaluated in a little over a week.
For Wolf, it’s about adjusting to the speed and physicality of the league.
“I have to fine-tune everything,” Wolf said. “The NBA is different. There are lots of different looks you have to see and I have to continue to work on that and my skills.”
Asked if he’s looking toward when he and the other rookies can be part of the future in Brooklyn, Wolf said his focus was instead on improving his game.
“You can’t think too far ahead,’’ Wolf said. “I just have to work on what I can do to get better, wherever I am. Everyone is fast here and physical and I have to match that.”
Michael Porter Jr. entered Tuesday having come off back-to-back season highs in assists, with seven apiece in a loss at Orlando and a win in Washington.
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Fernández credited the veteran forward with his unselfish recent style of play, but the coach also knows the team — and Porter — will have to get creative as opposing teams adjust.
“His usage has been different than in the past,’’ Fernández said of how Porter has played in Brooklyn as opposed to being Nikola Jokic’s teammate in Denver. “When you have the best defenders on you, it’s hard to shoot over people.”
Porter didn’t do that against the Magic and Wizards, instead finding open teammates.
“He’s been making plays and the next step is, ‘Can you do it again and better? Can you sustain it?” Fernández said.
That will be the challenge as opponents alter the way they defend the Nets.
“It’s gonna take more effort,’’ Fernández said. “Teams are gonna scout and adjust.”