Chaz Lanier Finds Shooting Stroke in Summer League

Explosive Performance Against New York

Chaz Lanier dominated Monday’s Summer League tilt, draining eight three‑pointers to finish with 24 points—all from beyond the arc. The second‑year guard from Tennessee helped Detroit push a high‑scoring night, though the Pistons fell 86‑75 to the Knicks. Lanier’s full‑court barrage showcased the shooting touch that earned him a spot in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Detroit selected Lanier with the 37th overall pick that year. As a rookie, he logged 34 games, averaging 2.4 points in 7.7 minutes per contest, still searching for his first career start.

Summer League Shooting Stats

Lanier’s early summer numbers revealed a hot streak. In the first game versus Philadelphia, he connected on just 1 of 6 attempts from deep. He responded powerfully against Cleveland, hitting 7 of 12 threes. Overall, he is 17‑for‑30 from three‑point range, a 56.7% shooting percentage that has caught the eye of coaching staff.

The consistency from distance suggests Lanier has developed a reliable outside shot, a skill that could be pivotal if he earns more minutes next season.

Roster Challenges for the Pistons

Detroit’s backcourt situation looks crowded this summer. The team added Stanford guard Ebuka Okorie in the 2026 draft and acquired Gary Harris from the Milwaukee Bucks in a trade for Caris LeVert. These moves mean Lanier will face stiff competition for playing time.

Despite limited opportunities so far, Lanier averages 2.4 points per game as a rookie and has yet to start. The competition at the guard position will force him to improve every aspect of his game if he hopes to secure a larger role.

Outlook on Lanier’s Next Steps

If Lanier can sustain this level of production, the Pistons may look at giving him a more prominent spot in the rotation. Consistent three‑point shooting, combined with his depth‑role experience, could open doors for a breakout season. Fans will be watching closely as summer league continues, eager to see whether Lanier translates his hot form into a guaranteed roster spot.