Detroit Pistons Select Chaz Lanier with 37th Pick in 2025 NBA Draft
The Detroit Pistons made their lone selection in the 2025 NBA Draft on Thursday, June 26, picking guard Chaz Lanier out of Tennessee with the No. 37 overall pick in the second round. This marks the only incoming rookie via the draft for the Pistons, as the team did not hold a first-round pick due to a 2020 trade and did not make any trades during Wednesday’s first round.
The selection comes as the Pistons aim to continue building momentum after a surprisingly strong 2024-25 season. Under President of Basketball Operations Trajan Langdon, who is entering his second draft leading the franchise, the team more than tripled its win total from the previous year and secured a spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs as the No. 6 seed. Langdon has emphasized “optionality” in his roster construction philosophy.
Who is Chaz Lanier?
Chaz Lanier is a 6-foot-4 guard/forward who recently completed his collegiate career at Tennessee after transferring from North Florida. At 23 years old, he brings a key, sought-after skill to the NBA level: high-volume, efficient three-point shooting.
In his final college season, Lanier averaged 18 points per game. What stands out to evaluators is his effectiveness from beyond the arc. He shot an impressive 39.5% on 8.2 attempts from three-point range, demonstrating both the willingness and ability to space the floor. Analysts note that this combination of volume and percentage is his most significant trait and could be crucial for his NBA transition.
Addressing an Immediate Need
Reports suggest the Pistons targeted a wing player to address an “immediate need,” and Lanier’s profile appears to fit this description. His size and primary skill as a shooter directly align with enhancing the team’s perimeter threat.
NBA analysts highlighted Lanier as a potentially impactful second-round pick. His catch-and-shoot ability is seen as a valuable asset, particularly for a team featuring a dynamic playmaker like Cade Cunningham. Providing Cunningham with a reliable, high-volume shooter could help optimize Detroit’s offensive flow and add needed spacing to their young core. His skills are viewed as a good fit for a pace-and-space offensive scheme.
While second-round picks often come with question marks, Lanier’s specific, high-level shooting trait gives him a clear path to earning playing time early in his career as the Pistons look to integrate him into their rotation for the upcoming season.
