In the last few seasons, the Detroit Pistons have primarily built their young core through the draft. Of their projected starters next season, all but Tobias Harris have been drafted by the Pistons in the first round - and the same applies for Isaiah Stewart, who will often be the first man off the bench. However, the Pistons have had little luck drafting in the second round and rookie Chaz Lanier will hope to turn that trend around.
Since the proper start of the Pistons' rebuild in 2020, they have had mostly solid selections in the first round, with one notable exception (sorry Killian Hayes). Besides Hayes, almost all of the Piston’s first-round selections from the last five years are still on the team. The one other exception would be Saddiq Bey, who was traded away for James Wiseman in a puzzling move back in 2023.
But the Pistons have been absolutely terrible at drafting in the second round. Of the five second round picks who have started their career with the Pistons in that time, none has made a significant impact. Only Luka Garza has even stuck around for more than a couple of seasons.
Chaz Lanier: Second Round Hopeful
Pistons fans are hopeful to see Lanier make an impact, whether it’s right away in his rookie year or in the coming future. Finding diamonds in the rough, whether it’s an All-Star outside the lottery or a rotation piece in the second round/G league, has been a pipe dream of the fanbase. It hasn’t panned out yet during this rebuild but Lanier might be the first.
One advantage that Lanier has is coming into the most complete Pistons team of the last half decade. After last season’s turnaround, the Pistons have learned how to win and the young core has gained playoff experience. They are also a deep team with the ability to cover Lanier’s weaknesses, like defense.
Importantly for Lanier, the Pistons are still somewhat lacking in his speciality skill which got him drafted in the first place. Despite acquiring Duncan Robinson and eyeing a reunion with Malik Beasley, the team could still use more 3-point shooting. And Lanier has showcased elite shooting talent at the collegiate level.
On this team, he’ll be allowed to play to his strengths and have a role fit for his playstyle. Compared to second round picks of the past, the Pistons will not ask him to do more than he’s capable of. For an older rookie like Lanier, this can be the perfect formula for playing winning minutes on a playoff team.