The Nets wrapped the California Classic with a 2-1 record, using the short tournament as a proving ground for their young talent before the Las Vegas Summer League. By staging live reps in Sacramento, the club gave rookies and second-year players a chance to compete against peers in a game-like environment, a strategy that coaches hope will accelerate development and reveal who can contribute when the regular season begins.

Egor Dëmin entered the event fresh from a plantar fasciitis setback that sidelined him at the end of his rookie year. Over two games he logged 25 minutes per contest while averaging 23 points on 55.6 percent shooting and 30.8 percent from three-point range. He also contributed 7.5 rebounds, 3 assists and 2.5 turnovers per outing. The numbers reflect a noticeable shift from his rookie style: Dëmin attacked the basket more aggressively, showing a tighter touch around the rim and a willingness to drive downhill. While a few youthful mistakes still appeared when he handled the ball, those errors were largely the byproduct of a player expanding his offensive repertoire.

Chaney Johnson’s performance reinforced the theme of reliability that the Nets prized in Sacramento. In two appearances Johnson averaged 21 minutes, 14.5 points on an efficient 64.3 percent field-goal rate, 8.5 rebounds, a steal and a block per game. The 24-year-old, who remains on a two-way contract, demonstrated a solid interior presence, capable of finishing a variety of shots inside the arc and contributing on the glass. His rebounding and defensive effort provide the Nets with a dependable option should injuries force deeper rotation usage.

Beyond Dëmin and Johnson, the broader young contingent showed flashes of potential. Although not every player eligible for Summer League action suited up, the limited minutes that were allocated offered a clear glimpse of the skill sets each brings. Rookies displayed the ability to adapt quickly, while second-year players like Dëmin proved they could translate offseason work into tangible on-court improvements.

Looking ahead to Las Vegas, the coaching staff will likely weigh these performances when shaping the roster for the next phase of the Summer League. The progress demonstrated by Dëmin and the steadiness Johnson provided suggest both could earn meaningful roles if the Nets need to dig deeper due to injuries or roster turnover. Continued evaluation of the rookie class will be essential as Brooklyn seeks to integrate fresh talent into its long-term plans.