The Detroit Pistons drafted Chaz Lanier with the 37th pick, though you might not have known it, as the draft coverage was on commercial.
After suffering through the tedious first six picks of the second round, those of us sickos who were glued to the screen were treated to a commercial when the Pistons were making their pick only to have it unceremoniously announced when they returned before quickly moving on.
Detroit was one of the only teams in the early second round to actually use their own pick, so it’s possible ESPN chose the Pistons as the team that got the commercial pick to catch up on the flurry of trades.
Pistons disrespect aside, the draft coverage in general could use a few tweaks, but we can at least hope this snub portends big things for Chaz Lanier.
NBA Draft coverage: Hurry up already
I live in Ireland, so have the misfortune of having to stay up until 1AM to watch the second round of the draft. Even for those in the States, could we start a little earlier? If ESPN/NBA intend to drag this thing out as long as possible, which appears to be the case, how about starting at 7PMET instead? You could start it at noon and no one would protest, as everyone gets the info via their phone now anyway.
Even if you can’t do us international fans a small favor, could you at least start on time? The first pick didn’t come in until around 8:20, just get on with it already.
And if you could lessen the time between picks, that would be great as well.
One last thing: Just tell us which team is drafting the guy after a trade without the facade of putting up another team’s logo. It’s confusing.
I’m old and tired, cut me some slack here. Rant over.
Nikola Jokic was a famous commercial draft pick
Let’s hope being the commercial pick is a sign of big things to come for Chaz Lanier, who can potentially compete for a roster spot depending on what the Pistons do with their own free agents.
Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic was also selected during a commercial (Taco Bell), so obviously Lanier is headed for multiple MVPs and at least one title if draft history holds true.
All kidding aside, Lanier will enter the NBA with an NBA-ready skill as a lights-out 3-point shooter who is very good in catch-and-shoot and handoff situations, which should make him a nice fit with Cade Cunningham if he can crack the rotation.
He’ll at least be battling it out with Marcus Sasser for one of the fringe spots and given his age and experience, is a guy the Pistons are hoping can contribute soon.