Detroit Pistons Rookie Watch - Chaz Lanier

If Chaz Lanier’s junior and senior college seasons say anything about the 6’4” guard, it’s that all he needs is a chance to play. 

In his first three seasons at North Florida, Lanier struggled offensively despite receiving at least 20 minutes per game in his second and third years. All of that changed in his junior season as the Nashville native bumped his scoring average from 4.7 to 19.7, while doubling both his rebound and assist totals. Transferring back home to Tennessee for his senior season, Lanier started all 38 games for the Volunteers, helping them reach the Midwest Regional Final of the NCAA Tournament as the team’s leading scorer.  

Joining a team that has finally dug itself out of the Eastern Conference basement after five long, dark years, including a 14-win season just two years ago, Lanier is the only rookie currently under contract with Detroit heading into training camp. While second-round picks rarely make an immediate impact, the Pistons believe they may have found a gem with the 37th pick from the 2025 Draft. 

After capturing the 2025 Jerry West Award as the nation’s top shooting guard last season, as well as All-American honors, Lanier has the tools to make an immediate impact for the Pistons' backcourt this season.

For a team that ranked 17th in three-point shooting with 36% last season and has parted with two of their top three-point marksmen in Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr. (both free agents), Lanier may prove to be an intriguing selection thanks to his pure shooting ability. During his final three college seasons, Lanier hit 41.2% of his shots from deep, including 39.5% last season. 

A limited defender and playmaker, Lanier’s calling card would be his ability to come in, space the floor, and knock down a couple of shots. On a young team looking to take the next step up the Eastern Conference ladder, Lanier may prove to be a solid contributor in limited minutes off the bench, averaging 5–6 points per game off a couple of timely long-distance shots.