The Detroit Pistons don’t have much mystery and drama surrounding their preseason, as JB Bickerstaff already knows the top nine in his rotation, but the 10th spot is up for grabs and could be claimed by rookie Chaz Lanier.
The “fringe” spot in the rotation, as I like to call it, will feature different players depending on the matchup and context. We’ll probably see some Marcus Sasser in this spot, and we’ll see Paul Reed come off the bench at times, especially if the other centers are in foul trouble.
Rookie Chaz Lanier will also be in the running and got some early praise from coach Bickerstaff about his ability to read an offense, move without the ball and get up shots quickly once he gets it.
Bleacher Report got in on the action recently, predicting that Lanier would shoot over 40 percent from long range in his rookie season.
I don’t think there are any questions around Lanier’s shooting, as he was one of the best high volume 3-point shooters in the country last season for Tennessee, the question is whether he’ll get a chance to play.
Chaz Lanier will have to shoot the lights out to make the Detroit Pistons rotation
Lanier is not likely to get first chance off the bench, as Sasser has already proven that he can handle rotation minutes and be effective.
Sasser was an efficient scorer last season, can handle the ball and get his own shot, things that are not strengths for Lanier, who is more of a Malik Beasley type of shooter who likes to run off screens for catch-and-shoot 3-point shots.
Lanier isn’t going to attack off the bounce much or create shots for himself, so his offensive game is more limited.
However, Lanier potentially provides something the Pistons will desperately need, which is 3-point shooting. Sasser hit a nice percentage last year, but he’s not going to create space with his shooting, as he does most of his damage with the ball in his hands.
The Pistons don’t have a true knockdown 3-point shooter other than Duncan Robinson, so there is opportunity for Lanier, but he’ll have to shoot it well and do it without consistent reps, which is a skill of its own.
Sasser was excellent at keeping himself ready last season even though he didn’t always play, which is a tough skill for a young player who is used to playing big minutes and getting up a ton of shots. Lanier may not get many chances early on, so he’ll have to make the most of them.
We may not see Lanier at all next season, but there is a sliver of hope for any shooter of his caliber, and it wouldn’t be shocking if he has evolved into a bench weapon for the Pistons by the end of next season.