Detroit Pistons Take Chaz Lanier at No. 37 in 2025 NBA Draft

The Detroit Pistons used their second-round pick to add backcourt depth. With the No. 37 overall selection, they drafted Tennessee guard Chaz Lanier. He spent one season with the Vols after transferring from North Florida. He started all 38 games and became one of their top scorers. At 6-foot-5, Lanier offers size, shot-making, and experience to Detroit’s rotation. He now joins a Pistons squad aiming to build on playoff progress.

Lanier’s breakout year in Knoxville vaulted him into NBA draft conversations. He averaged 18 points per game while shooting confidently from long range. His ability to score in bunches helped Tennessee stay competitive all season. Lanier made a lasting impression by breaking the school’s three-point record. He consistently punished defenders with quick releases and off-ball movement. That production and skill made him a high-upside option in round two.

Chaz Lanier’s Record Season Earns NBA Opportunity

Lanier set a new Tennessee single-season record with 123 three-point makes. He shot 39.5% from deep, showcasing a reliable and repeatable shooting stroke. His scoring impact was immediate, giving the Vols much-needed perimeter offense. He also became one of four Vols with multiple seven-three games. Lanier’s long-range shooting ranked among the most efficient in SEC history. The Pistons likely saw him as a floor-spacer with high offensive upside.

Beyond scoring, Lanier added nearly four rebounds per game last season. His strength and frame allow him to defend both guard positions when needed. Though not a high assist player, he made smart, unselfish passing decisions. He rarely forced shots and played within the flow of the offense. His discipline and maturity should translate well to the NBA level. Detroit gets a fifth-year senior ready to contribute from day one.

Final Thoughts

Chaz Lanier’s journey proves that patience and development still matter in basketball. After four seasons at North Florida, he exploded on the SEC stage. That one year at Tennessee transformed him into a serious draft candidate. Now, he steps into the NBA with valuable experience and proven shooting. The Pistons added more than just stats—they added a polished veteran guard. Lanier’s poise and work ethic give him real staying power in Detroit.

Detroit’s draft night continues a theme of calculated, high-upside roster moves. Lanier joins a young Pistons team looking to climb the Eastern standings. With Cade Cunningham running point, spacing and shooting are essential priorities. Lanier fits that role while offering toughness and a scorer’s mentality. The Pistons hope this second-rounder becomes another late-round success story. Lanier will now aim to prove he belongs at the BA level.