For Egor Dëmin, strength the big improvement, versatility the big priority

"I've been working there a lot this summer, so I'm willing to take a role and take those opportunities to go there," Dëmin said, adding how he wants to create as he did at BYU where he got the reputation as having the best court vision in his draft class. That's not something we saw much of last year. Defense is a priority as well, he said.

"Last season it was harder for me, but I think this year what I'm emphasizing on is getting to the lane, getting to the paint, which is going to open up so much more opportunities for exactly that," Dëmin said. "For being able to create not just for myself but for others and having opportunities for passes and playing in transition, playing fast basketball with gravities like Mike [Porter Jr.], like Julius [Randle], like Mikel [Brown Jr.]."

Indeed, that stronger and more versatile Dëmin should be just one of several improvements to Brooklyn's distributing game. Mikel Brown Jr. is one of the most electrifying passers in this year's draft class and Julius Randle is one of the NBA's top passing big men, averaging five assists a game last season. And although the No. 28 pick in the draft, Joshua Jefferson, will likely see a lot of time out on the island, the 6'9", 240-pounder played point forward for Iowa State last season.