DETROIT >> Chaz Lanier and his family quickly expressed their support and gratitude to the Detroit Pistons, filled with jubilation and excitement. As soon as Lanier and his family arrived at their hotel in Detroit this week, his father, Thomas Lanier, immediately changed into the apparel that the Pistons had provided as a welcome gift.

After getting settled, Lanier and his family set out to explore the Motor City. As fans warmly welcomed the rookie guard to Detroit, Lanier felt a strong desire not to disappoint them.

“To have the Pistons on my chest, I know that means a lot out here in Michigan and to the fans,” Lanier said Tuesday. “I am not going to let them down. I am going to give them my all every day.”

For most rookies selected in the second round of the NBA Draft, they usually struggle to secure a spot in their coaches’ rotations. A great deal of Day 2 prospects typically spend their first seasons with a G League-affiliate team. But when it comes to Lanier, the rookie from Tennessee believes he has a chance to carve out a role in the Pistons’ rotation next season.

Lanier’s belief is the usual self-assurance that has helped many collegiate players reach the NBA. However, the sentiment is mutual when it comes to the Pistons and president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon.

“I feel like I can step in and play immediately,” Lanier said at his introductory press conference on Tuesday. “Coming in to do whatever they need me to do. Coming in and making shots when I need to. … I am a shooter first, that is what I hang my hat on; putting the ball in the basket. However, I believe that at the NBA level, you need to be able to make an impact on defense. That is how I plan on making my mark.”

The Pistons had one pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and believe they made an excellent roster addition with the selection of Lanier at No. 37. Their decision wasn’t surprising to Lanier, given the positive workouts and conversations he had with the franchise leading up to the draft.

“It still doesn’t feel real; it’s been a blessing,” he said.

He became the Pistons’ primary target due to his exceptional offensive attributes, particularly his ability to shoot from beyond the arc. While his coachability and defensive hustle also had a significant influence, the most essential factor that led to Lanier being the Pistons’ draft choice was his effortless transition from the Atlantic Sun Conference to the SEC.

Last season marked Lanier’s only year at Tennessee following his four-year stint at North Florida. He led the Volunteers to the Elite Eight with a 30-8 record, averaging 18.0 points per game on 39.5% 3-point shooting. He was named SEC Newcomer of the Year and won the Jerry West Award as the nation’s best shooting guard.

His time at Tennessee was a near replica of his success at North Florida, where he played in 104 games. His lone season as a full-time starter for the Ospreys came in 2023-24, marking a career year for Lanier with averages of 19.7 points on 51.0% shooting from the field and 44.0% from deep.

“I had a lot of confidence in myself, taking that jump from North Florida to Tennessee,” Lanier said. “I knew I had put the work in, and it was only a matter of time before I was able to show it on the floor at a high major level. Once I saw (how my talents) translated, I took it and ran with it, and I feel the same will be here with the Pistons.”

Lanier will have his first opportunity to prove himself within the Pistons’ rotation at the NBA Summer League Tournament, which will begin today against the New York Knicks at Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas.

Lanier is excited to showcase the skills that earned him First-Team All-SEC honors last season. However, each time he steps onto the court in Las Vegas, it will serve as a testament to how his parents laid the foundation for his professional career, which began when he was a toddler in Nashville.

“I’ve been playing basketball since I could walk,” Lanier said. “My dad played at Lipscomb (University) and my mom (Stacey) played at Alcorn State. They put the ball in my hands super early. I remember there were times when I would be outside with my dad playing basketball; he is the one who taught me how to shoot and play defense.

“I am in a special position. They have supported me a lot, and it means a lot for me to be able to play at the highest level now.”