Egor Dëmin — the Nets’ first lottery pick in 15 years — will miss the remainder of his rookie season due to increased plantar fasciitis in his left foot.
While the combo guard will avoid surgery — and should return to basketball activity early in the offseason and be a full participant in the summer development program — having his promising debut season cut short will be a blow for the young Russian.
“He’s been a kid that wants to play, wants to be out there, wants to develop, and nothing better than playing real games to get better at this level,” said Jordi Fernández. “Obviously when you have discomfort and it doesn’t allow you to play at that level, we had to find solutions. We were trying to find the best way. And at the end of the day, the good thing is it’s (a) non-surgical procedure, which is good.
“(We’ll) 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 his health is the No. 1 priority. And we’re very, very optimistic and positive about it.”
Dëmin, 20, had missed the last four games with the injury, and been mired in an extended funk before that.
After being a lights-out shooter, Dëmin slumped to average just six points on 31.4 percent shooting and 6-for-24 from deep over his last five games. As it turns out, the Feb. 27 loss in Boston was his finale.
“I know he was dealing with some discomfort, and it got worse and worse,” said Fernández. “We decided to take a look and (try to) settle it a little bit. We ended up asking for different opinions, and that’s what was recommended to us.”
Dëmin was having a solid rookie campaign, averaging 10.3 points, 3.3 assists and 3.2 boards. He was the first Net since 2019 picked for the Rising Stars at All-Star weekend, and set an NBA rookie record by hitting a 3-pointer in 34 straight games.
“He’s gotten better at everything we ask him to do,” said Fernández. “The superpowers that he has, he’s shown he can do it at this level, which is really good. The shooting, not just how real it is, but how fast it goes in. His shots in clutch time, the perimeter passing. And now defensively and offensively, that physicality that comes with the work and his body getting used and more efficient and all those things — he’s taking steps.
“He’s been able to get into the paint more times. Same (thing) defensively on being more physical and working on that technique. That’s going to come with his player development plan. And the sooner we can have him in the summer and keep working on these things, you can keep taking steps forward. But he’s gotten better in every single thing that we’ve asked him to do.”
Dëmin ends the year with a host of team rookie records, including .385 shooting from deep.
“He’s been great for the culture,” said Fernández. “His personality has been great. He always wants to learn, get better. He has opinions, and that’s a good thing. So, we’re very happy.”
Drake Powell was recalled from the G-League on Monday and started vs. Memphis.
“Defensively, he’s got to play like he has an extreme edge, because he’s that good of a defender, disruptive ball pressure, hands ready to get deflections, all those things,” said Fernández. “He’s more than capable of doing it — he’s shown it.”
The Nets surprisingly declined to give 7-footer Grant Nelson a second 10-day contract, league sources told The Post.
In four games with Brooklyn, the rookie had five blocks in just 35 minutes. The Nets still hold his G-League rights, but any NBA team can sign him.
Michael Porter Jr. was rested vs. Memphis.
Ja Morant (elbow), Santi Aldama (knee), Ty Jerome (calf), Cedric Coward (knee) and Zach Edey were all out for the Grizzlies.
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