The Pistons announced on Sunday that 2025 draftee Chaz Lanier is being assigned to their G-League affiliate. Even with the team desperately searching for more shooting, which should be Lanier's specialty, he hasn't cracked the rotation. Some rookies selected after him (or undrafted) have already established themselves, adding to the Pistons' remorse.
Chaz Lanier has been disappointing so far
In the scant minutes that he does see, Lanier has not performed well. He is shooting just 32% from three, with almost all of his attempts coming from behind the arc. He's also struggled defensively, which has not fit into the Pistons' identity very well. Less potent shooters have gotten minutes over him because of their defensive efforts.
Lanier was selected in the second round with the 37th overall pick, so there wasn't too much talent taken after him but there are some standouts. First is Will Richard, a 6'3" guard selected at #56 overall. Richard has played well for the Warriors and is currently averaging 8 points per game while shooting 53% from the field and 38% from three.
Richard has looked a lot more comfortable than Lanier scoring in different ways. His 3-point shot is clearly falling but he's also smartly used the threat of shooting to score in the paint. Richard has played well off Steph Curry's playmaking, and is exactly the type of smart shooter that the Pistons could use in their offense.
Another notable snub in the draft was Ryan Nembhard, who went undrafted and ended up on the Mavericks. Ryan, the younger brother of Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard, has emerged as a reliable point guard. In his last 5 games, he's averaging 14 points and 7 assists per game.
This stretch includes some huge explosions in breakout performances. Nembhard had 28 points and 10 assists to beat the Nuggets, followed up with 15 points and 13 assists to beat the Mavericks. For an undrafted rookie, he brings an impressive level of poise and confidence.
Nembhard has been extremely efficient as both a scorer and playmaker. In his recent breakout stretch, he's shooting 64% from the field and 70% from three - unsustainable numbers in the long run but indicative of his talent. He's also creating for others while only turning the ball over 1.2 times per game.
Nembhard is another guard who would be perfect for the Pistons when defenses increase their pressure. His skill and confidence despite his lowly draft stature is reminiscent of Daniss Jenkins. The Pistons have been lacking in solid point guard play outside of Cade Cunningham this season, so missing on Nembhard stings extra hard. It's too early to write off Lanier entirely, but the Pistons clearly had some other options which could've helped the team more.