STEAL OF THE DRAFT: Detroit Pistons Nab Explosive Scorer Chaz Lanier in Second Round of 2025 NBA Draft!
The Detroit Pistons, long entrenched in the rebuilding phase of their storied franchise, may have pulled off what many are already calling the steal of the 2025 NBA Draft. With their second-round selection, they chose Chaz Lanier, the electric guard whose rapid rise through the college ranks turned heads but still left him underrated on draft night. What the Pistons saw, however, wasn’t just stats or hype — they saw a relentless scorer, a fierce competitor, and a player whose chip on his shoulder might just be the spark the franchise has been searching for. This selection could mark a critical turning point for Detroit, which has been desperate to change the narrative after years of bottom-tier finishes and roster instability. The pick of Lanier was more than just a basketball decision — it was a message.
Lanier’s journey to the NBA was anything but conventional. Coming out of high school, he was barely on the radar of Power Five programs. Considered too small and not explosive enough, he took the long road through mid-major basketball, eventually transferring and proving himself on bigger stages. Each year, he evolved — physically, mentally, and skill-wise. By the time his senior season rolled around, Lanier had become one of the most feared scorers in the country, showcasing a deep offensive bag that included elite shot creation, pull-up ability, and a tenacious drive to attack defenders off the bounce. Despite his production, scouts remained cautious. Questions about his size, strength against NBA defenders, and consistency led to him falling into the second round — a place where stars are rare but not impossible.
For Detroit, this was a calculated gamble rooted in upside, character, and hunger. General Manager Troy Weaver, whose draft resume includes both hits and head-scratchers, spoke glowingly about Lanier’s mindset and work ethic, noting that he reminded the front office of past Pistons greats who had to fight for every inch of respect. While the franchise already had a crowded backcourt with the likes of Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, and Marcus Sasser, the addition of Lanier signals something different — a commitment to cultivating depth, competition, and scoring versatility.
Lanier’s college stats speak volumes. Averaging over 21 points per game in his final season, he shot efficiently from all three levels and thrived under defensive pressure. His offensive instincts are sharp, and he possesses a rare ability to read the floor in motion, allowing him to get to his spots without forcing the issue. Perhaps what makes Lanier so valuable is his adaptability. He’s not just a scorer who needs volume to shine — he’s a player who finds ways to contribute even when the ball isn’t in his hands. That kind of versatility bodes well for his fit in the NBA, particularly on a young team like Detroit that is still figuring out how to balance egos, touches, and development trajectories.
But it’s not just what he does on the court. Coaches and teammates rave about Lanier’s leadership, humility, and laser focus. He’s the kind of player who shows up early, stays late, and refuses to let a single rep go wasted. In a Pistons locker room that’s struggled to find a true identity in recent years, that attitude might be just as impactful as his stat line. The second round of the NBA Draft is often where hidden gems reside — those with something to prove, those overlooked by the system, those with the resolve to forge a new path. Lanier fits that mold perfectly.
Detroit’s recent draft history has been a mixed bag. While the selections of Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey were hailed as franchise cornerstones, the team has struggled to convert potential into winning. Injuries, coaching turnover, and inconsistent roster moves have made it difficult to evaluate progress. That’s why the Lanier pick feels different. It’s low-risk, high-reward, and it aligns with the culture reset the organization is chasing. They need winners. They need dogs. And Lanier, in every sense of the word, is that.
Another aspect of Lanier’s game that stands out is his defensive tenacity. While not the biggest guard, he leverages his quickness, anticipation, and competitive fire to harass ball-handlers and disrupt passing lanes. He may not become a lockdown defender in the NBA, but his ability to pressure guards and provide energy off the bench could earn him meaningful minutes early in his career. In a league where defense often takes a backseat, Lanier’s two-way mentality is refreshing.
The fit with the Pistons also opens up exciting strategic possibilities. Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff has a history of maximizing gritty, guard-driven lineups, and Lanier could thrive in second-unit rotations where he has the freedom to create and spark offense. With Cunningham operating as the primary facilitator, Lanier could slide in as an instant-offense weapon, capable of changing the tempo and punishing mismatches. His ability to play off the ball also makes him a potential fit alongside either Ivey or Sasser, giving the Pistons a dynamic guard trio that can pressure defenses in different ways.
Off the court, Lanier represents hope. For Detroit fans weary of rebuilds and unfulfilled promise, he’s a new face with a fresh hunger. He didn’t come into the league expecting anything to be handed to him. He’s ready to earn it — and that attitude resonates in a blue-collar city like Detroit. Fans gravitate toward players who mirror their own grit, their own hustle, and Lanier could very well become a fan favorite before his rookie season even begins.
Beyond the individual story, Lanier’s selection could also spark a philosophical shift in how the Pistons build their roster. For too long, the team chased big names, upside projects, or traditional archetypes. With Lanier, they’re betting on a different formula — one that values mental toughness, experience, and production. If this pick pans out, it may inspire Detroit to keep digging for gold where others don’t look.
Of course, there will be challenges. The NBA is a different beast, and for a second-rounder, nothing is guaranteed. Lanier will have to adjust to the speed, physicality, and daily grind of professional basketball. But if his past is any indication, he’s built for that climb. The Pistons don’t need him to be a star from day one — they need him to be himself: relentless, efficient, and fearless.
Summer League will be Lanier’s first true test, and all eyes will be on how he handles the transition. If he continues to showcase the skills and mindset that got him here, it won’t take long before he earns a full-time roster spot — perhaps even a rotation role. In a league driven by narratives, Lanier’s could become one of the most compelling of the season: the overlooked scorer who turned a second-round shot into a career.
Ultimately, the Pistons’ decision to draft Chaz Lanier was more than just smart scouting. It was a declaration. In a franchise desperate for a new chapter, they’ve chosen a player who knows what it means to fight for everything. In Lanier, they may have found more than a shooter or a sixth man — they may have found a culture-setter, a game-changer, and a long-overdue spark in a city hungry for its basketball revival. If he lives up to the promise, Detroit fans will look back at the 2025 Draft not for the lottery picks, but for the night they stole a star in the second round.
