Shooting has been one of the most obvious weaknesses for the Detroit Pistons for quite some time. Despite taking a major step forward last season and establishing themselves at the top of the Eastern Conference, the Pistons had a clear need to add more shooting if they were to become a true title contender.
This summer, adding shooting was a top priority. They acquired Isaiah Joe with that in mind, and the former OKC Thunder shooting guard will certainly help.
However, Joe may not have been the only lethal shooter the Pistons are adding to next year's rotation.
Last year's second-round pick, Chaz Lanier, has been putting on a shooting clinic in the Summer League.
After a slow start in Las Vegas that raised some eyebrows, Lanier found his stride over the last two. In back-to-back games against the Cavs and the Knicks, the 24-year-old shooting guard has shot 15/24 from three.
Six threes in the first half 🔥 https://t.co/qVbeDkYsdI pic.twitter.com/QMimzBKhyZ
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) July 13, 2026
Chaz Lanier is hitting his stride at the perfect time
Through three games, Lanier has averaged ten three-point attempts per game in 31.4 minutes of action. That may be even more impressive than his 53.3% accuracy from downtown so far. Just being able to generate that many threes is exactly what the Pistons are looking for.
Looking at the tape, it's not difficult to see what makes Lanier special. His release is incredibly fast, and he doesn't hesitate. He can shoot it coming off screens, or after taking a dribble or two. If it's a catch-and-shoot situation, Lanier gets the shot off in the blink of an eye between catching and releasing.
Obviously, Lanier is the type of player who will look amazing when the shot is going in and will be difficult to trust when it's not. He does very little else on either end of the floor, so his shot needs to be going in to force his way onto the court.
Fortunately for him, the Pistons can always use more shooting. Duncan Robinson and Isaiah Joe will be the primary floor-spacers on the team and will get the bulk of minutes at shooting guard. Throughout the season, there will be times when they play together or when one of them is hurt. Lanier could emerge as an option off the bench in those situations.
You can never have too much shooting in the NBA. Last year, the Pistons simply didn't have the option to surround Cade Cunningham, Ausar Thompson, and Jalen Duren with elite shooting. If Lanier emerges as a potential rotation player, the Pistons will have multiple options who can provide much-needed spacing. For that to happen, the former Tennessee standout has to carry the momentum into the season, and that requires continuing to hit shots in Las Vegas.
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