‘I can step in and play immediately’: Detroit Pistons introduce confident rookie Chaz Lanier

DETROIT – The Detroit Pistons held an introductory press conference for 2025 NBA draft second-round pick Chaz Lanier.

Lanier spoke with the Detroit media on Tuesday (July 8) inside the Henry Ford Health Detroit Pistons Performance Center Media Room, reflecting on his confidence and how it has been a key factor in his transition from North Florida to Tennessee to the NBA.

“Just being confident kept me having a lot of confidence in myself,” Lanier said. “Taking that jump from North Florida to Tennessee, my teammates had a lot of confidence in me. I know I had put the work in, and it was only a matter of time before I showed it on the floor at a high major level. Once I saw it transpire, I just took it and ran with it.”

He hopes to bring that same mindset to Detroit’s business.

“Just being a more mature guy, I’ve been through it a little bit. So just having experience and being able to make that translate,” Lanier said.

Lanier also shared his excitement about joining the Pistons organization.

“I knew there was definitely mutual interest. Me and my agent talked a lot. We really wanted to make sure we could get out here. I had a great workout and great interactions with everybody when I came out here. This is just a super great organization, and the few days I’ve been here have been amazing. They’ve treated me well with great hospitality, and we’ve just been getting after it in practice,” Lanier said.

Lanier described the emotional moment of being drafted.

“There were a lot of emotions. I had a lot of family and friends there with me in Nashville. It was just a surreal feeling. It still doesn’t feel real. It’s been a blessing. It’s been happening fast, but it’s just been a blessing,” Lanier said.

As a more mature player, he feels ready to make an immediate contribution.

“I feel like I can step in and play immediately. They had a great year last year, so I want to do whatever they need me to do. Come in, make shots when I need to, and when I get on the floor, make sure I’m playing defense and playing hard. That’s a given to get on any NBA floor. When I get my opportunity, I want to take full advantage of it,” Lanier said.

Lanier was selected with the No. 37 pick ahead of the Malik Beasley news and their free agency additions of former Michigan Wolverines guards Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson III, as they wanted to add more depth and shooting to their already stacked lineup.

The 6′4″ 24-year-old wing player averaged 18 points per game while knocking down 40% from beyond the arc.

As a senior with the Tennessee Volunteers, Lanier was known to make sweet string music as he set a school record with 123 three-pointers during his senior season.

Lanier was awarded the 2025 Jerry West Award, recognizing him as the top shooting guard in the nation.

He was also named NABC Third Team All-American, Wooden Award All-American, and First Team All-SEC.

Lanier was also named the SEC Newcomer of the Year.

Still, as a rookie in the National Basketball Association, he says having fun and adapting to the NBA style are also essential.

“Just having fun out there, going and playing my game, getting to mesh with the guys — Ron Holland, Tolu Smith III, Daniss Jenkins, a lot of the guys we’ve been practicing with. Going out there, playing my game, having fun, and getting used to the NBA style of play,” Lanier said.

Lanier said he was also excited to reunite with a former college teammate, Zakai Zeigler, the undrafted guard who signed as an undrafted free agent with the Pistons.

“He was my point guard at Tennessee, a great player. I love Zakai a lot. It’s definitely an exciting feeling being able to play with him and just a great opportunity,” Lanier said.

Lanier said his family has been supportive ahead of his NBA Summer League debut since arriving in Detroit.

“When we first got to the hotel, I had all my family here. There was a lot of gear laid out in the room. My dad took off his clothes immediately and put on Detroit Pistons clothes. We went walking down the street around downtown Detroit. Everybody’s been super nice to me and my family,” Lanier said.

Lanier said he feels the weight of representing both Nashville and Detroit.

“It means a lot coming from Nashville, Tennessee. A lot of people support me back home — family, friends, just the city. Being able to put the Pistons on my chest means a lot to the people here in Michigan and the Pistons fans. I’m not going to let them down. I’m going to give them my all every day," Lanier said.

Coming out of college, Lanier said, coaches and teammates praised first-time all-star Cade Cunningham’s leadership, which he, as a rookie, plans to learn from while playing alongside him on the hardwood.

“Just from watching his film, he makes the game so much easier for the guys around him. He’s able to create for himself and for other people on the floor. He’s super vocal and a leader,” Lanier said.

Lanier said he’d been watching Cunningham since his lone season with the Oklahoma State Cowboys.

“He was at Oklahoma State, and then when he got to the NBA, I’ve definitely been tuned in watching him. He’s a great player, an All-Star. He makes the game easier for everybody around him, and you can tell he’s a leader from the film,” Lanier said.

Lanier also described his playing style and approach to the game as he looks to be a key contributor to the organization.

“I’m a shooter for sure. That’s what I hang my hat on — putting the ball in the basket. But at the NBA level, you have to be able to make an impact on defense first. That’s how I’m going to make my hay. Just to get on the floor, I have to play defense first," Lanier said.

For the Lanier family, basketball runs in the family, especially since his parents played collegiately.

“I’ve been playing basketball ever since I could walk. My dad played at Lipcomb, and my mom played at Alcorn State. They put the ball in my hand super early. I remember a lot of times I’d be outside in the front yard with my dad playing basketball. He’s the one who taught me how to shoot and play defense. I’m in a special position. They’re supporting me a lot, and it means a lot to be able to play at the highest level now.”

Look for Lanier and the young Pistons to take the floor for the first time on Friday, July 11, where they will take on the New York Knicks inside Cox Pavilion at 6 p.m. on NBA TV.

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