The Detroit Pistons had one lone pick going into the 2025 NBA Draft. After making the playoffs this past season their protected lottery pick finally conveyed enabling the Timberwolves to obtain their first round selection. With the 37th pick in the draft the Pistons selected the sharp shooter Chaz Lanier out of Tennessee.

After playing 4 years at Northern Florida he transferred to Tennessee, where he had great success as a high volume movement shooter. Lanier was nominated for several awards and won the accolade of the Jerry West Award for top shooting guard in College Basketball. Lanier finished the season averaging 18 points and four rebounds per game. He shot 39% from behind the arc on a high volume of 8 attempts per game. Specifically, he converted at a 41% clip in catch and shoot attempts and 36% off the dribble.

The Detroit Pistons have selected Chaz Lanier with the No. 37 pick. They will be rostering this pick.

One of the best shooters in this draft, with the ability to come off screens with deep range. Also has good physical tools at 6’5 with a 6’9 wingspan. pic.twitter.com/d2wG1eHU33

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 27, 2025

Player Profile

Lanier is a tough shot maker from the midrange and from long.He excels moving without the ball, whether it’s relocating for jumpers or cutting to the basket. Ironically he has player comps to Malik Beasley.  He would certainly benefit from the veteran taking him under the wing, and learning some of his tricks to the trade. His biggest concerns being his lack of size and physicality, which limits his ability to finish at the rim and defend his position. In addition he will need to improve on his ability to create for others making accurate passes for them to score off of.

Role

Lanier is a high volume shooter that can operate as a off-ball floor spacer on the reserve unit. With Jaden Ivey likely taking over the starting shooting guard role, Lanier could be slotted in as a viable Tim Hardaway Jr. replacement. Lanier is an older draft pick so the ideally it shouldn’t take much development to step right in and contribute. It has already been announced that he will participate in the Summer League so he will get an early opportunity to prove where he stands amongst other young players in the NBA. Under the assumption that Malik Beasley will be resigned, his role is solidified as a scorer off the bench. Lanier will compete with the likes of Marcus Sasser and Simone Fontecchio for the reserve scoring role. Lanier is somewhat undersized at the guard position coming in at 6’3 and 3/4 in socks, but his athleticism and  6’9 wingspan may enable him to defend at the wing position with some improvements to his awareness. His testing at the combine leads me to believe that his athletic ability should aid in covering up some of his physical deficiencies. He ranked 3rd in the standing vertical and fifth best in the lane agility test. In the most opportune setting he will be surrounded by size and a primary creator that will allow him to flourish at his highest potential. The acquisition of Lanier should enable the team to continue to put out efficient scoring in the second unit, as the team continues to develop and grow as a future title contender. The Pistons ranked 6th in the NBA in bench scoring last season.