With the 37th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Detroit Pistons selected Chaz Lanier out of Tennessee. This marked the Pistons’ first selection in this year’s draft, following a quiet first round on Thursday night in which they held no picks. Just a year ago, the Pistons made headlines by trading up 16 spots to draft Bobi Klintman from Wake Forest, signaling a willingness to be aggressive in talent acquisition.
Now, Lanier enters the fold as the latest addition to a roster on the rise. He brings the Pistons a valuable skill set, including his three-point shooting and overall ability to score. With the Summer League just around the corner, Lanier will now get the chance to showcase how he can contribute to the Pistons’ roster.
So, what exactly does Lanier bring to the table? And how does he fit into the Pistons’ broader vision under Trajan Langdon’s leadership? Let’s dive in.
Detroit Pistons Just Drafted a Sniper With the 37th Pick
Lanier Scouting Report: The Pistons’ Newest Shooter
Lanier is a 6-foot-4 sharpshooter known for his elite catch-and-shoot ability, smooth mechanics, and deep range. He shot just over 40% from three for his college career and excels off screens and movement. With a 6-foot-9 wingspan and strong off-ball instincts, he’s a polished scorer and high-IQ role player.
However, Lanier offers limited playmaking, struggles defensively at times, and can be streaky when contested. He’s not a reliable ball-handler and turns 24 this year, capping his upside. Still, his shooting makes him a valuable floor spacer and a strong fit when he plays off others.
Chaz Lanier’s Potential Contribution To The Pistons
Lanier can bring the Pistons another floor spacing and instant offense off the bench. With his elite three-point shooting and ability to move without the ball, he complements ball-dominant players like Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey, providing them with a reliable kick-out option. His quick release and off-screen scoring can help stretch defenses and open up driving lanes for the Pistons’ young core.
While he won’t create much off the dribble or defensively, Lanier’s shooting alone could make him a valuable rotation piece. On a team still building its identity, his maturity, work ethic, and ability to play a defined role could help stabilize Detroit’s second unit and give the offense a consistent perimeter threat it has lacked.
The Last Word
Lanier may not be a flashy pick, but he’s a smart one for the Detroit Pistons. His elite shooting, off-ball movement, and mature approach to the game align with what the Pistons need as they continue to build around their young core. While his ceiling may be limited, his reliable floor-spacing ability makes him an immediate fit in the Pistons’ rotation.
As Trajan Langdon builds around shooting and structure, Lanier fits that vision perfectly. He’s a low-risk, high-reward player who doesn’t need the ball to contribute. Lanier plays with purpose and understands how to thrive within a team system. His shooting translates well in today’s pace-and-space NBA style. He can stretch the floor and relieve pressure from primary ball-handlers. That skill helps create cleaner, more efficient possessions. The Pistons struggled at times with spacing last season, and Lanier directly addresses that weakness.
If he can hold his own defensively and stay consistent from beyond the arc, Lanier has a clear path to carving out a long-term role with the Pistons. In a league where shooting is always in demand, Detroit may have quietly added a player who fills a crucial need and brings stability to a young, evolving roster.
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