The Detroit Pistons enter the NBA offseason looking to upgrade their roster around Cade Cunningham after putting together a historic season.
Of course, the Pistons went from being the worst team in the NBA to a playoff team last season thanks in large part to the breakout campaign by Cunningham.
Now Detroit will look to upgrade their roster around Cunningham, Ausar Thompson, Jalen Duren and the rest of their young core as they try to build a title contender in the Eastern Conference.
Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
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For the Pistons, it all starts on Thursday night in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft unless they are able to make a trade and acquire a first-round pick on Wednesday.
It that ends up not being the case, the Pistons only hold the 37th pick in the draft and a recent mock draft by ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel has them selecting Chaz Lanier out of Tennessee.
“Chaz Lanier enters the 2025 NBA Draft as one of the most NBA-ready players due to his 3-and-D presence on the wing, and he is drawing comparisons to Luguentz Dort among some scouts due to his defensive toughness,” Siegel wrote. “The Detroit Pistons took a big step forward this season due to their defensive toughness, which makes Lanier an excellent fit for added depth behind Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey.”
It is an interesting comparison between Lanier and Dort of the Oklahoma City Thunder, but one that does make sense.
Lanier is a great defender who brings a spark on the defensive side of the ball, much like Dort does in Oklahoma City, which would a perfect fit in Detroit.
Tennessee Volunteers guard Chaz Lanier (2) shoots the ball against Kentucky Wildcats guard Lamont Butler (1) during the first half at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center.
Tennessee Volunteers guard Chaz Lanier (2) shoots the ball against Kentucky Wildcats guard Lamont Butler (1) during the first half at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center.
© Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
Last season at Tennessee, the 23-year-old guard averaged 18.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 0.9 steals per game while shooting 43.1% from the field and 39.5% from three.
With his defensive intensity and ability to also impact the game on the offensive end, Lanier would be a great addition to the Pistons’ roster behind Cunningham and Ivey.