The Detroit Pistons are on a mission to improve their 3-point shooting, and they've already made some significant moves to achieve this goal. The team's focus on enhancing their long-range accuracy is a strategic move, especially with the addition of Isaiah Joe and Taurean Prince through trades. However, one potential solution to their woes beyond the arc might already be on the roster: Chaz Lanier, the No. 37 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. While Lanier didn't get many minutes for the Pistons last season, his performance in the Summer League has given the team a glimpse into why they believed he was NBA-ready when they drafted him out of Tennessee in the second round.
Lanier's shooting ability is a key asset for the Pistons. During his senior season at Tennessee, he built a reputation as a sharpshooter, connecting on 39.5% of 8.2 attempts per game. This ready-made skill gives him a shot at lasting in the NBA, even though few second-round picks pan out. His performance in the Summer League, where he scored 25 points and knocked down five of his seven made 3-pointers within the first six minutes, has given the Pistons a reason to believe in his potential.
Lanier's ability to score in bunches is a valuable asset for the team. His microwave scoring ability, which he showed in flashes when given the chance as a rookie, could make him a factor on a team that needs spacing around its core trio of Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, and Ausar Thompson. His instant offense was key in a game where Cunningham, Duren, and Tobias Harris all missed with injuries, and he provided an instant spark in the Pistons' 108-93 home win over the Chicago Bulls on Jan. 7.
Lanier's shotmaking and understanding of offenses are ahead of the game as a rookie. His ability to find his area and knock down shots is impressive, and he's only going to get better when he continues to play with better players. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff believes that Lanier has the potential to be a part of the team's long-term plans, and he's confident that he'll have a night where he scores 30 or more points.
The Pistons' main offensive weakness last season was their poor outside shooting. They knocked down a mere 35.7% of their looks, tied for 20th according to Cleaning The Glass. And 3-pointers accounted for 31.3% of their overall shot diet – the second-lowest in the league, ahead of only the Sacramento Kings. By comparison, the Golden State Warriors led the league with 46.5% of their attempts coming beyond the arc. The additions of Joe and Prince should help both of those percentages rise, and Lanier's shooting ability could be a key factor in the team's success.
Lanier has a long way to go to be in the conversation with those players, but his tools and college history suggest that level of upside. His performance in the Summer League has given the Pistons a reason to believe in his potential, and his ability to score in bunches could be a valuable asset for the team. As the season progresses, Lanier's role on the team will become clearer, and his shooting ability could be a key factor in the Pistons' success.
In my opinion, the Pistons' focus on improving their 3-point shooting is a smart move, and Lanier's shooting ability could be a key factor in their success. His performance in the Summer League has given the team a reason to believe in his potential, and I'm excited to see how he develops as a player. Personally, I think that Lanier has the potential to be a key contributor to the team's success, and I'm looking forward to seeing how he performs as the season progresses.
