Pistons’ 24-Year-Old Guard Gets Put On Notice Before NBA Season
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Pistons’ 24-Year-Old Guard Gets Put On Notice Before NBA Season
CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 09: Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff of the Detroit Pistons reacts during the first half of Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on May 09, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Pistons 116-109. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) Getty
Justin Grasso·HEAVY
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5 min read
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 16: Chaz Lanier #20 of the Detroit Pistons poses for a portrait during the 2025 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at UNLV on July 16, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) Getty
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Amen Thompson #1 of the Houston Rockets dribbles the ball against Chaz Lanier #20 of the Detroit Pistons in the third quarter of the game at Toyota Center on October 24, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images) Getty
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 16: Chaz Lanier #20 of the Detroit Pistons tries to drive around Will Riley #27 of the Washington Wizards in the second half during a preseason game at Little Caesars Arena on October 16, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) Getty
Following a quiet rookie season with theDetroit Pistons,Chaz Lanierhas some pressure heading into the new year.
AsDetroitJock City recently put together a list of three players who are considered to be on thin ice heading into training camp, the sophomore sharpshooter unsurprisingly landed on the list.
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Chaz Lanier Could Be In Trouble
GettyLAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 16: Chaz Lanier #20 of the Detroit Pistons poses for a portrait during the 2025NBARookie Photo Shoot at UNLV on July 16, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
"The 24-year-old shooting guard, who was Detroit's second-round pick in 2025, has to take a big step forward after a quiet rookie campaign. He showed signs of that in the Summer League after he made a ton of threes," DJC wrote.
"But that is all he can do at this stage of his career. He is still an unproven player. If his shot isn't falling, he could find himself falling further down the depth chart. Considering how many other shooting guard options there are on the roster, Lanier can't afford not to hit shots."
Even if Lanier makes it out of training camp with a roster spot in Detroit, it was suggested that Lanier "isn't going to be safe all season." The 24-year-old still has a lot to prove.
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The Contract Situation
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 24: Amen Thompson #1 of theHouston Rocketsdribbles the ball against Chaz Lanier #20 of the Detroit Pistons in the third quarter of the game at Toyota Center on October 24, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
After making $1.2 million in 2025-2026, Lanier is set to see a slight pay bump in 2026-2027.
The sophomore guard will earn $2.15 million, which is guaranteed. Beyond the 2026-2027 season, the rest of Lanier's contract is no longer guaranteed. The Pistons could cut ties with Lanier before June 29, 2027 and avoid paying out the rest of his four-year, $8.6 million deal.
In addition, the 2028-2029 salary of $2.7 million is a team option.
Chaz Lanier's NBA Career So Far
GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 16: Chaz Lanier #20 of the Detroit Pistons tries to drive around Will Riley #27 of theWashington Wizardsin the second half during a preseason game at Little Caesars Arena on October 16, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
After being selected No, 37 overall by the Pistons in the 2025 NBA Draft, Lanier didn't get to see the court for much action as a rookie.
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In 34 appearances, Lanier averaged 7.7 minutes per game, while shooting 31.5% from the field and 28.4% from deep. He averaged 2.4 points per game.
Lanier saw the court for 18 games in the NBA G League with the Motor City Cruise. With 32.6 minutes of playing time on average, the rookie shot 37.2% from three to average 16.9 points per game.
Along with his scoring, Lanier came down with 2.3 rebounds per game and dished out 1.6 assists per game.
It hasn't been a strong start for Lanier, which understandably might have him on thin ice. However, Lanier won't be stealing minutes from anyone early on. The Pistons should be able to continue to develop the sophomore ahead of another important season.
