Another jumbo transition threat? Sure, why not?
The Chicago Bulls, under Head Coach Billy Donovan, have fully embraced a high-octane, transition-heavy system that ranked second in pace across the NBA last season. With dynamic guards like Josh Giddey and Coby White already steering this up-tempo offense, the potential addition of BYU’s Egor Demin in the 2025 NBA Draft could elevate Chicago’s attack to terrifying new heights. While Demin has been frequently compared to Giddey due to their similar physical profiles and playmaking prowess, a closer look reveals a unique talent—a 6-foot-9 playmaker with a basketball brain that could make the Bulls’ offense a nightmare for opponents.
Beyond the Giddey Comparison
At first glance, the parallels between Demin and Giddey are striking. Both are 6-foot-9, pass-first floor generals with high basketball IQs, exceptional vision, and a knack for initiating fast breaks. However, Demin stands slightly taller with a 6-foot-10 wingspan—nearly three inches longer than Giddey’s—and brings a distinct flavor to the court. While Giddey honed his skills in Australia’s NBL, Demin developed in the prestigious Real Madrid system, the same pipeline that produced Luka Doncic. After three seasons in Spain, Demin transitioned to American basketball, starting 33 games at BYU and averaging 10.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.
Despite their shared strengths, Demin is not just a Giddey clone. His time at BYU under Coach Kevin Young, a former NBA assistant with eight years of experience, showcased a player tailor-made for the modern NBA. Young, who was endorsed by Devin Booker before taking the BYU job, praised Demin’s rare combination of size and skill, noting, “You just don’t find a lot of guys with his size and level of skill.”
A Playmaking Maestro
Demin’s offensive game is defined by his ability to orchestrate a high-scoring, efficient attack. At BYU, he ran Young’s NBA-style offense, helping the Cougars rank 24th out of 364 Division 1 teams in points per game. As a lead guard, Demin thrives in pick-and-roll situations, using his intelligence and creativity to dissect defenses. His 5.5 assists per game (against 2.9 turnovers) highlight his willingness to make the right play, whether it’s a flashy cross-court pass or a simple, unselfish swing to an open teammate.
While Demin’s athleticism is often understated, he’s more explosive than he gets credit for, particularly in transition. His ability to push the pace and find shooters like Coby White spotting up or bigs like Matas Buzelis crashing the rim could supercharge Chicago’s already lethal fast-break attack. However, his shooting remains a work in progress, with college splits of 41/27/70. Encouragingly, at the NBA Draft Combine, Demin showed promise, hitting 17-of-25 spot-up threes and 17-of-28 from the corner. If he can develop into even an average three-point shooter, his game could unlock entirely new dimensions.
Defensive Potential
On the defensive end, Demin is a mixed bag. His on-ball defense needs refinement, as he struggles to stay in front of quicker guards. However, his 6-foot-10 wingspan and sharp instincts make him a disruptive force off the ball, averaging 1.2 steals per game at BYU. While he may never be an elite defender, his length and basketball IQ allow him to clog passing lanes and compete, offering enough versatility to fit into Donovan’s schemes.
A Perfect Fit for Chicago’s Vision
Skeptics might question how Demin and Giddey, both non-shooters and average defenders, could coexist in Chicago’s backcourt. But the Bulls don’t play a conventional NBA style. Donovan’s system thrives on pace, creativity, and unselfish play—qualities both players embody. A lineup featuring two 6-foot-9 playmakers who excel at rebounding, initiating fast breaks, and delivering pinpoint passes could overwhelm opponents with sheer speed and ingenuity.
Imagine Demin and Giddey leading a fast break, with White spotting up beyond the arc and the 6-foot-10 Buzelis soaring for lobs. This lineup would generate a barrage of open looks, reminiscent of the free-flowing Indiana Pacers’ offense. While defensive concerns exist, Donovan’s coaching staff could get creative, leveraging the size and versatility of Demin and Giddey to switch and disrupt.
The Bulls’ Next ‘Monster’
Egor Demin is far more than a Giddey 2.0. He’s a 19-year-old with a terrifying basketball brain, capable of bending defenses with his vision and elevating teammates with his unselfishness. In Chicago, alongside Giddey, White, and Buzelis, Demin could help forge a uniquely devastating transition attack. The Bulls are betting on playmakers who don’t fit the traditional mold, and Demin’s blend of size, skill, and smarts makes him the perfect piece to amplify their vision. If he lands in Chicago, the NBA better brace for a new kind of monster.