By Darryl Jacobs, Contributor
ESPN & CBS Sports Commentator
The Detroit Pistons had just one selection in the 2025 NBA Draft—and while it came late in the second round, the decision to draft Tennessee guard Chaz Lanier at No. 37 overall could prove to be a critical move for the franchise.
On the surface, it might not have looked like much. The Pistons had no first-round pick, the result of a trade made back in 2020 with the Minnesota Timberwolves. But what Detroit lacked in early-round excitement, they made up for in strategic execution—addressing a roster need while staying true to their long-term vision.
Free Agency Realities: Why This Pick Mattered
Heading into the offseason, the Pistons face the potential loss of several key contributors. Five unrestricted free agents are on the market, including:
- Malik Beasley, who shattered Detroit’s single-season three-point record with 319, makes at a 41.6% clip.
- Dennis Schröder is a steady veteran presence in the backcourt.
- Tim Hardaway Jr. is a reliable scoring option on the wing.
- Paul Reed and Lindy Waters III are both serviceable role players.
The common thread among these names? Shooting and experience—two things Detroit will be hard-pressed to replace if multiple veterans leave in free agency. Beasley, in particular, played a central role in the team’s offensive spacing, opening up the floor for playmakers like Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey.
This looming loss of perimeter scoring made the selection of Lanier not only logical—but essential.
Lanier’s Profile: Ready-Made for Detroit
At 23 years old, Chaz Lanier isn’t your typical high-upside prospect. What he is, though, is one of the most accomplished shooters in this year’s draft class. Over the past two seasons—split between North Florida and Tennessee—Lanier knocked down 229 three-pointers, connecting at an elite 41.5% clip.
He’s particularly dangerous in catch-and-shoot situations, with the footwork, speed, and confidence to thrive as a movement shooter. His game has drawn comparisons to veteran guard Malik Beasley—a timely parallel is given Beasley’s free agency status.
Lanier stands 6-foot-4, has a strong frame, and shows the competitiveness to defend on the perimeter. Though he won’t run an offense, his ability to stretch the floor, hit timely shots, and stay engaged defensively makes him an ideal role player for a team with playoff ambitions.
Langdon’s Blueprint: Flexibility with Purpose
This draft was the second under new team president Trajan Langdon, who has made it clear that “optionality” will guide Detroit’s roster strategy. That means building a team with flexibility—both financially and schematically—without overcommitting to short-term moves.
Lanier fits that mold perfectly. He brings an NBA-ready skill (shooting), fills a position of need (off-ball guard depth), and arrives on a low-cost rookie contract. In essence, the Pistons filled a potential rotation spot without tying up cap space or sacrificing future flexibility.
A Quiet Draft but a Loud Message
The Pistons didn’t make any blockbuster moves during the 2025 draft. They didn’t trade up, didn’t make headlines, and didn’t add lottery talent. But what they did is precisely what smart front offices are built to do—identify a gap on the roster and fill it with a player who can help right away.
Lanier’s ability to shoot, space the floor, and complement Detroit’s core makes him more than just a second-round flyer. He’s a calculated investment—one that could pay dividends if Detroit loses multiple free agents this summer.
Looking Ahead
After a 30-win improvement in the 2024–25 season, the Pistons are trending upward. The challenge now is maintaining that momentum. With the future of several key contributors uncertain, Detroit needed to ensure it didn’t lose ground offensively.
Chaz Lanier may not be the most talked-about pick in this year’s draft—but for the Pistons, he might be one of the most important.
DRAFT GRADE: A-
Darryl Jacobs is an ESPN & CBS Sports Network Commentator/Analyst, former successful college head coach, athletic administrator, and professional sports executive with over two decades of experience in collegiate athletics and professional sports.
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