In a high‑octane offseason move, the Detroit Pistons have officially added two of the University of Tennessee’s most electrifying guards—Zakai Zeigler and Chaz Lanier—to their 2025 NBA Summer League roster. This strategic decision came on the heels of the recent NBA Draft, where the Pistons selected Lanier with the 37th overall pick, and shortly thereafter offered Zeigler a Summer League deal after he went undrafted. The reunion of these former Tennessee powerhouses is not just a win for Rocky Top fans; it’s a strong statement that Detroit is building for the future with grit, chemistry, and championship potential in mind.Chaz Lanier, a 6‑foot‑4 shooting guard out of Nashville, Tennessee, emerged as one of the nation’s top perimeter threats over his final collegiate season. After spending four seasons at North Florida, averaging an impressive 19.7 points and shooting 44% from three-point range in his senior year, Lanier transferred to Tennessee and continued his hot streak. He averaged 18.0 PPG, knocked down 123 threes—the most in Volunteers’ history—and posted a 39.5% three-point percentage overall .
Lanier’s shooting profile and polished shot mechanics made him an easy fit for the Pistons’ need for floor spacing around their young core, led by Cade Cunningham. Detroit, coming off a 44‑38 season and a sixth seed in the East, was looking to bolster its perimeter options—and Lanier fits the mold perfectly (.
He earned several honors during his final year, including First Team All‑SEC, SEC Newcomer of the Year, and recognition as one of the top shooting guards in college basketball with the Jerry West Award ). Additionally, his versatility and size drew favorable comparisons, including to NBA-caliber shooters like Seth Curry and Alec Burks .
By selecting Lanier at No. 37, Detroit reiterated its commitment to developing young talent—especially shooters who can complement their star-studded backcourt .
Zeigler: The Heart & Hustle PG
Zakai Zeigler’s journey from undrafted free agent to Summer League mainstay is nothing short of a renaissance. Standing at 5‑foot‑9, Zeigler overcame persistent size concerns at Tennessee to become one of the most decorated players in program history. He secured SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors twice, earned First Team All‑SEC status, and left as Tennessee’s all-time leader in assists (747) and steals, while setting the single-season assist mark with 275 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game, guiding Tennessee to repeated Elite Eight runs . Though he went undrafted, Detroit wasted no time in offering him a coveted spot on their Summer League roster—believing his court vision, defensive tenacity, and leadership will translate to the next level (.
Analysts see Zeigler’s strengths—ball distribution, competitive spirit, and defensive aptitude—as valuable commodities for the Pistons’ offseason squads. His performance this July could pave the way to a two-way deal, a standard NBA contract, or even opportunities abroad .
Reunion in Las Vegas
The Pistons’ Summer League roster will feature both players alongside other hopefuls as they hit the hardcourt in the NBA 2K25 Summer League, scheduled from July 10–20 at the Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas
This presents an exciting narrative arc: former Tennessee teammates reuniting, meshing their collegiate chemistry with an NBA formula that emphasizes spacing, tempo, and cohesion. Fans, especially those familiar with Rick Barnes’s disciplined system, will be watching closely to see how quickly their bond translates to professional success.
Strategic Implications for Detroit
Detroit’s approach is methodical and deliberate. By drafting a sharpshooter (Lanier) and signing a gritty playmaker (Zeigler), the front office is laying groundwork for a long-term, well-rounded backcourt. Their roster, already anchored by Cunningham and Harris, now has depth, complimentary skill sets, and internal competition.
For Lanier, Summer League represents a chance to prove he can knock down threes in catch-and‑shoot and off-screen actions while improving his decision‑making and defense. For Zeigler, it’s a stage to demonstrate leadership, facilitate effectively, and stand his ground against bigger guards.
College Accolades That Matter
Both players arrived in Detroit with accolades that guarantee attention.
Chaz Lanier finished his freshman season at Tennessee earning First Team All‑SEC honors and the Jerry West Award. A Third‑Team All‑American by Sporting News and NABC solidified his status as a legit pro prospect .
Zakai Zeigler, on the other hand, proved that size is secondary to effort. The SEC Defensive Player of the Year, Naismith Midseason Watch List member, and record-breaking playmaker became the template for what modern point guard determination looks like
Their strength of resume provided Detroit with confidence: Lanier brings sharpshooting pedigree; Zeigler brings leadership and defensive acumen.
What Fans Should Watch For
Summertime ball may not carry the same weight as the regular or playoff seasons, but Summer League battles can define roles for the upcoming year. Observers and Pistons insiders will be cutting tape on several fronts:
Lanier’s rhythm & release: Can he keep his collegiate efficiency when shot clocks are tight and spacing is contested?Zeigler’s pace & playmaking: Will he lead the offense, manage turnovers, and shine in transition?Defensive chops: Both were strong, especially Zeigler. Can they compete in isolation and guard bigger wings or guards?On-court chemistry: Will their Tennessee synergy turn into Pistons momentum?
Early strong play could land each on a two-way deal, adding value beyond training-camp invites.
Broader Significance
Detroit’s move underscores a larger trend: teams investing in college chemistry and overlooked talent. The Pistons aren’t relying solely on lottery picks; they’re building a layered arsenal—mixing drafted shooting, undrafted grit, and star core.
For Tennessee and Rick Barnes, this serves as an incoming testament to their player development pipeline. The program continues to produce NBA-ready talent, affirming that it remains a destination for high-impact college players aiming for the pros (si.com, rockytoptalk.com).
Fan & Expert Buzz
From social media to draft-night thought leadership, the buzz has been palpable. SI analysts applauded the pairing as the stuff of Summer League intrigue . Meanwhile, Tennessee faithful on Reddit expressed nostalgia and excitement:“Zakai Zeigler sets Tennessee basketball career assists record with 716th… Forever on my Mount Rushmore of men’s Tennesseebasketball!”“Chaz Lanier… recognized as a skilled, sharpshooting combo guard… his performance at Tennessee has positioned him as apotential late‑second‑round pick…”
The common thread: hope. Hope that these players blossom in Detroit’s system. Hope that their story gives fresh life to a franchise hungering for consistency and identity.
Looking Ahead
As we count down to July, the Summer League will bring clarity:
Rotations — Will Lanier earn key minutes? Will Zeigler start or run point?Contract Talks — Could a two-way or Exhibit 10 deal follow standout performances?Rookie Progression — Will they stay with Detroit into the preseason?Team Dynamics — Can they elevate a Pistons squad aiming to push past mediocrity?
Conclusion
By adding both Chaz Lanier and Zakai Zeigler, the Pistons have crafted a compelling narrative—one that blends NCAA success, player chemistry, and strategic roster building. Come mid‑July, all eyes will be on Las Vegas, where the gritty point guard and sharpshooting wing will try to convert Tennessee gold into professional opportunity. Their success—or lack thereof—could shape not just their careers, but how Detroit approaches its offseason talent development in the years ahead.
