Tennessee’s sharpshooter Chaz Lanier has positioned himself as one of the elite marksmen in the 2025 NBA Draft. After transferring from North Florida and averaging an impressive 18.0 points per game while shooting 39.5% from three point range for the Volunteers, Lanier has caught the attention of NBA scouts looking for reliable perimeter scoring.
Currently projected as an early to mid second-round selection, Lanier’s elite shooting ability makes him an attractive target despite concerns about his age and defensive versatility. Multiple mock drafts place him in the 35-40 range, where several teams with specific needs could benefit from his proven collegiate scoring prowess and deep range.
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San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs, frequently linked to Lanier at the 38th pick in mock drafts, are at a pivotal point in their rebuild with multiple first-round selections. Their roster, built around Victor Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox, and Devin Vassell, desperately needs additional floor spacing and perimeter scoring to maximize their young core’s potential.
Lanier’s elite shooting would fit perfectly alongside playmakers like Chris Paul and Fox, benefiting from the defensive attention Wembanyama commands in the paint. His maturity and experience also align with the Spurs’ blend of youth and veterans, giving them a reliable bench option who can thrive in a structured system while spacing the floor for their stars.
Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers, coming off a disappointing season, are seeking bench scoring and shooting around Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. With Philadelphia expected to use their early second-round pick on instant contributors, Lanier’s proven shooting ability makes him an ideal candidate for their projected 35th selection.
His high-level shooting and off-ball movement fit perfectly with Philadelphia’s blueprint of surrounding Embiid with reliable floor spacers. Lanier’s ability to hit spot-up threes complements the Sixers’ need for shooters who can contribute in playoff settings, potentially earning him early rotation minutes in lineups staggered around their stars.
Brooklyn Nets
The Nets, currently in a rebuilding phase, feature a backcourt led by Cam Thomas with wings like Cam Johnson and D’Angelo Russell. Their shooting guard rotation lacks proven perimeter threats, creating a potential opportunity for Lanier to compete for significant minutes.
With the Nets prioritizing development and lacking reliable perimeter scoring, he could quickly earn a role as a floor spacer and provide a steady offensive presence that the team desperately needs during their rebuild.
Detroit Pistons
Detroit’s core features Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey in the backcourt with Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, and Jalen Duren completing their starting lineup. Despite adding shooting depth with Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr., the Pistons still need consistent scoring and veteran poise from their bench.
Lanier’s experience and shooting efficiency would complement playmakers like Cunningham and Ivey perfectly. On a rebuilding Pistons team, possibly holding the 37th pick, he could earn rotation minutes by providing efficient offense and spacing, particularly if veterans are moved at the trade deadline, giving him a clear path to playing time.
Sacramento Kings
The Kings, a playoff-caliber team built around DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis, have struggled with consistent bench shooting in high-leverage games. Their second-round pick perfectly positions them to select Lanier as a specialist who could address this specific weakness.
Lanier’s quick release and movement shooting would thrive in Sacramento’s pace and space system. His ability to contribute immediately fits the Kings, potentially slotting him into a specialist role providing instant offense in second-unit lineups during their playoff push.
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Whichever team selects Lanier will acquire a proven scorer with elite shooting mechanics and the maturity to contribute early. Though his draft position may not reflect his collegiate production, his specialized skill set could make him one of the draft’s most impactful second-round selections for teams needing immediate perimeter firepower.
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