BYU guard Egor Demin is the Deni Avdija-type prospect that the Portland Trail Blazers should have their eyes on. The Trail Blazers have the No. 11 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft after losing the coin flip to the Phoenix Suns and falling back one spot in the lottery.
They also managed to miss out on yet another franchise-altering prospect, falling short of the No. 1 overall pick and right to draft Cooper Flagg by one final lottery ball combination -- the same thing that happened to them with Victor Wembanyama in 2023.
The silver lining to the Trail Blazers continuing their dreadful draft lottery trend is that the 2025 class is deep and presents many strong options late in the lottery. When fully healthy, Portland is quietly a deep team and, as a result, has the luxury of selecting the best player available if they decide to keep the pick.
Blazers could add another do-it-all playmaker to their core with Egor Demin
Demin's stock is on the rise after a strong NBA Combine, where he checked in at 6'8 1/4" without shoes with a 6'10 1/4" wingspan and an 8'9 1/2" standing reach, making him the tallest guard ever measured.
Demin could be the BPA at No. 11; there are striking similarities between him and Avdija in terms of their frame, unique skillset, and well-rounded game with a ceiling that largely depends on their three-point shot as the swing skill.
BYU assistant coach Tim Fanning was the assistant at Maccabi Tel-Aviv from 2016-21 when Avdija played for the Israeli pro team. Kevin Reynolds of the Salt Lake Tribune mentioned how Fanning reminded Demin of Avdija as a versatile 6-foot-9 player with an improving shot.
"Like, dude, you're a great finisher at the rim. You've got great vision. You're a complete player, while in the background, you are working your a-- off on your shot," said Fanning.
That sounds remarkably similar to Avdija's career progression so far in the NBA. The Trail Blazers paid a steep price to acquire Avdija in Malcolm Brogdon and two first-round picks, but there was one red flag surrounding his game: whether or not the improved three-point shot was reliable.
In his final seasons with the Wizards, Avdija improved his three-point accuracy from 29.7 to 37.4 percent. That significant leap made some wonder whether or not that was here to stay, but fortunately for the Trail Blazers, Avdija backed it up, shooting 36.5 percent from beyond the arc his first season in Portland.
Demin shot just 27.3 percent from deep during his freshman year at BYU, and having a reliable jumper is essential for success in the NBA, especially as a guard. That alone could cause him to fall to the Trail Blazers at No. 11, but that could also be a blessing in disguise as it presents a golden opportunity for them to add another versatile weapon into the mix.
Portland's roster currently has a lot of one-dimensional players who look to create shots for themselves, including Anfernee Simons, Jerami Grant, and Deandre Ayton. Stealing Avdija from the Wizards was a tremendous step in the right direction to reshape their roster and play more team-oriented basketball. Adding another Avdija-like player to Demin could turn that weakness into a strength.
The Trail Blazers are at a crossroads this offseason and could have many moving parts as they look to complete their unfinished roster. Demin can play multiple positions and be a valuable role piece from day one, allowing Portland more flexibility to move on from some of their veterans.
At worst, Demin will be a serviceable glue guy, a versatile defender, and someone who can move the ball around on offense, similar to what many thought Avdija was before his impressive breakout campaign. The Ringer even referred to Demin as The Three-Eyed Raven, who can see the entire court and anticipate plays.
His measurements are already historical for a guard, but his basketball IQ is just as impressive. Portland needs more playmakers, and Demin would provide that while reinforcing their identity as a lengthy, switchable team. He offers real upside, too, especially if he can improve his shooting and ability to create separation.
Avdija has been a gem for the Trail Blazers and is the main reason they have playoff aspirations as soon as next season. Because of Avdija's versatility, it can't hurt to add the closest thing to him in the draft at pick No. 11.