The networks Yehor Demin shows during training camp and preseason games that he is ready to be a major factor at any point guard position, Brian Lewis of the New York Post writes.
“I think back to last year in summer league — and even before that in the pre-draft when I was working out with Brooklyn — I kept saying, Jordi (Fernandez) and the other coaches, that I see myself as a very versatile player in the future and that I want to be anywhere I can contribute to the team.” – said Demin. “I’m a winner, so I want to win as much as possible. If that means 25 assists and five points for me, or whatever that means for me, I want to win first. Working on certain things helps me be even more versatile, whether I’m going after the ball. And that’s definitely the goal, to be everywhere and be everywhere. You look at LeBron (James), he can play 1-5.”
Fernandez says Demin looks like a different player after his inconsistent rookie season.
“You can just see how much he’s improved from last year,” he said. “I probably wanted him to be a little more aggressive shooting threes, but you can see his willingness to get everybody involved. … His voice is getting stronger, so that’s a big deal.”
Here’s more on the New York teams:
- Nix fans will have to face the reality of the league’s financial constraints, New York Post columnist Mike Vaccaro writes after the news that the spirit of the team made a pause extension negotiations. That includes the star big man Karl-Anthony Towns as well as three other players. Giving KAT a massive extension is no easy feat, as he would be 32 when the extension kicks in, Wakara points out. The NBA is no longer a place to sanction “thanks for the memories” payouts, Vaccaro adds.
- Another one of them Nix expansion eligible players Miles McBridepreviously expressed disappointment at the lack of progress in enlargement talks. This was reported by several sources in the league Christian Winfield of the New York Daily News that McBride could earn $15-20 million annually if he signs with another team. He will be an unrestricted free agent after this season.
- While Networks there are a few other options in the center, they are looking at some small ball lineups Julius Randle in the middle. Randle confirmed he had discussions with Fernandez about playing in the fiveadding that “that’s what the preseason is for,” Lewis tweets.