When the Detroit Pistons drafted Chaz Lanier, Marcus Sasser probably took note, as he’ll have some competition for his spot on the fringes of the rotation.
Lanier is an accurate, high-volume 3-point shooter who knocked down nearly 40 percent of his 8.2 attempts per game from long range this season for Tennesse, a skill the Pistons desperately need after finishing near the bottom of the league in 3-pointers made per game.
He's been compared to Malik Beasley for his ability to shoot on the move.
With Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr. entering free agency, the Pistons needed some amount of insurance and younger talent (Lanier is 23) in the pipeline, as 3-point shooting is vital, and Detroit doesn’t have enough even if they are able to keep all of their free agents.
Lanier will have plenty of work to do to crack the rotation of a team that just came off a playoff appearance, but if he does, it could be at the expense of Marcus Sasser.
Detroit Pistons draft: Chaz Lanier and Marcus Sasser
Sasser has already proven himself to be competent backup who can stay prepared even when he plays inconsistently, which is an underrated skill.
Sasser played well at times but only appeared in 57 games after playing in 71 as a rookie. Sasser did hit 38 percent of his 3-point shots and showed the ability to get his own shot off the dribble.
But he’s only 6-foot-2 and not really a point guard, which makes him a tricky fit with Jaden Ivey, who will be returning to the lineup and playing some amount of time with the bench unit.
Lanier has more prototypical size for a two guard at 6-foot-4 with a 6-foot-9 wingspan, which makes him an easier fit defensively even though he’s not a guy who is known for his defense.
Competition at the back end of the rotation is always a good thing and we should see these guys going at each other in training camp, as Sasser isn’t just going to hand over his spot.
Do the Pistons have room for both guys? Lanier has a lot to prove before that’s an issue, but if he’s hitting shots right away, he may be able to challenge for Sasser’s fringe rotation spot as a 23-year-old who played five years in college and already has an NBA frame.
Both players will be fighting for a spot in the rotation next season and there likely won’t be room for both.