The Detroit Pistons entered the 2025 NBA Draft with only one selection in the second round and despite some rumors about them possibly trading into the first round, they decided to hold pat.
Of course, the Pistons are coming off an incredible season that saw them make the playoffs for the first time since the 2018-19 campaign and they now enter the offseason looking to upgrade their roster around their young core led by Cade Cunningham.
Mar 13, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) dribbles in the second half against the Washington Wizards at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
One area the Pistons struggled in last season was scoring from their backcourt outside of Cunningham, Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr. and that is what their focus was on in the draft.
With the 37th overall pick, Detroit selected Tennessee guard Chaz Lanier to upgrade their backcourt depth and also add another reliable scorer next to Cunningham with both Hardway Jr. and Beasley being free agents this summer.
Pistons' 2025 NBA Draft Grade: B+
With this move, the Pistons earned a B+ grade for their 2025 NBA Draft as they took advantage of their only selection in it by upgrading their backcourt.
In his senior season at Tennessee, Lanier averaged 18.0 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game while shooting 43.1% from the field and 39.5% from three-point range.
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
Lanier is a great three-point shooter who will be able to provide an offensive spark off the bench for the Pistons.
Despite this, the 23-year-old guard does still need to improve on his playmaking skills and on the defensive side of the ball but he should see a large role off the bench in Detroit next season.
This was a great pick by the Pistons as Lanier should help improve their offense next season as they try to take advantage of a weakened Eastern Conference.