In a move that underscores the Detroit Pistons’ methodical approach to player development and roster-building, the organization has officially announced the addition of two Tennessee Volunteers guards—Chaz Lanier, Detroit’s 37th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and Zakai Zeigler, an undrafted yet highly decorated point guard—to its NBA Summer League roster. This pairing brings chemistry, shooting, and leadership to Detroit’s summer squad and showcases a compelling offseason narrative within the Pistons’ long-term vision.
The Pistons enter the summer with momentum. Coming off their first playoff appearance since 2019 with a 44–38 record and a gritty first-round showing against the New York Knicks, the organization opted for a measured reshaping of the roster rather than radical change (. Their philosophy centers on retaining core pieces like Cade Cunningham, re-signing rising guard Caris LeVert, and bolstering perimeter shooting by acquiring Duncan Robinson. Amid these moves, the addition of Lanier and Zeigler injects fresh talent into their backcourt, aligning with the team’s emphasis on depth and development .
Earlier this offseason, the Pistons used their only pick—No. 37 in the draft—to select Chaz Lanier, a sharpshooting guard whose lone season at Tennessee turned plenty of heads. Lanier averaged 18.0 points per game and knocked down 39.5–40 percent of his threes, connecting on a program-high 123 treys. Additionally, he was named the SEC’s Newcomer of the Year, earned First-Team All-SEC recognition, and captured the prestigious Jerry West Award as the nation’s top shooting guard . Scouts and analysts praised his off-screen movement, quick release, and floor spacing—attributes perfectly aligned with Detroit’s offensive blueprint focused around Cunningham .
The Pistons’ official channels welcomed Lanier with enthusiasm, tweeting “Welcome to the 313!” shortly after his selection . Analysts compared his game to “a bigger, stronger Marcus Sasser”—spotlighting his potential as an immediate shooter in the pros . Detroit’s front office clearly views Lanier as more than a draft pick—they see him as a piece that complements their current core while adding decisive floor spacing and perimeter threat.
In the contrasting shadows of the draft, Zakai Zeigler took a different path: undrafted, yet quickly securing his shot in Detroit’s Summer League. Zeigler, a 5′9″ point guard and Long Island native, set school records at Tennessee with 747 career assists and 275 assists in his senior season—both single-season highs . Averaging 13.6 points, 7.4 assists, and 1.9 steals per game while shooting 40.4 percent from the field, he also earned SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors twice and garnered national recognition as a Third-Team All-American.
Detroit took notice. ESPN’s Jonathan Givony confirmed that the Pistons signed Zeigler for Summer League, giving him a platform to prove his pro viability . Sports Illustrated emphasized that Zeigler could make his way to a two-way or rookie-scale contract depending on Summer League performance—and that his court vision and defensive tenacity are precisely what Detroit’s rotation needs.
What makes this duo particularly intriguing is their shared history. Lanier and Zeigler were central figures on Tennessee’s 2024–25 team, often dominating SEC competition with their complementary styles: Lanier as the off-ball scoring specialist and Zeigler the on-ball maestro who orchestrated Tennessee’s offense . The reunion brings inherent chemistry to Detroit’s Summer League roster—something Detroit analysts have highlighted as a smart strategic move, noting that Zeigler “knows how to set up Chaz” and could amplify Lanier’s shooting rhythm .
The significance of this move is full-spectrum. Detroit didn’t throw a blockbuster trade or pursue a superstar. Instead, they prioritized continuity, teamwork, and player development—a subtle statement that recent playoff success wasn’t a fluke . Statements from Pistons President Trajan Langdon reflect this philosophy. He emphasized being “very fortunate” to acquire Lanier and trusting their scouting process . For Zeigler, Summer League becomes the proving ground—Detroit wants to assess whether his size can be overcome by his leadership, vision, and defensive instincts.
On the court, the Las Vegas Summer League—running from July 10 to July 20 at the Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion—will effectively serve as Detroit’s internal evaluation system . The Pistons coaching staff will closely monitor how Lanier spaces the floor, moves without the ball, and connects in catch-and-shoot scenarios. Meanwhile, Zeigler’s ability to direct pick-and-roll sets, initiate offense under pressure, and defend larger guards will determine whether he earns a training-camp invite, two-way deal, or standard NBA contract .
The narrative of Tennessee connections translates to Detroit’s larger strategy: build a cohesive roster around Cunningham by layering proven chemistry and shared experience. If Zeigler proves effective, he not only helps Lanier but also bolsters Detroit’s depth chart at point guard—the same player who could effectively manage Ron Holland II or Bobi Klintman on the wing . Similarly, Lanier’s efficiency from deep makes him a natural fit in rotational lineups needing instant offense.
Pistons fans now have much to watch for in Las Vegas: will Lanier maintain his near-40 percent accuracy from deep against pro-level defenses? Can his shot translate when contested? On defense, can he hold up against bigger wings? Meanwhile, Zeigler faces height biases—at 5′9″, he’s among the smallest players in Summer League—but has elite court awareness and defensive grit . If he can sustain his assist-to-turnover ratios and make timely decisions, Detroit may reward him with more than a camp invite.
Beyond individual performance, the Pistons’ decision reflects an organizational identity in formation. They value patience and team cohesion over flashy splash moves. As the front office reshapes the supporting cast around a core led by Cunningham, they’re building a culture keen on rewarding performance, chemistry, and unselfishness. Summer League serves as both admission test and audition, and Lanier’s and Zeigler’s paths may represent the future of a Pistons squad seeking sustainable growth rather than one-star panic buys.
Off the court, the story hits home in Tennessee. Vol Nation will rally behind their former floor general and sharpshooter, hoping their collegiate synergy carries over to professional excellence. That shared journey from Knoxville to Detroit—Royally reborn and ready for big leagues—adds emotional weight, deepening fan engagement for both communities .
Critics might argue that Detroit needed a headline-grabbing superstar—but the Pistons are betting that a composite of strategic additions, chemistry-based moves, and internal development will deliver durable success. As one Reddit analysis noted about Lanier, he compares to NBA combos like Seth Curry or Alec Burks—strong perimeter scorers who can deliver value without dominating headlines . Another thread on Zeigler tempered expectations—labeling him as a “defensive force” with limited NBA shot opportunities—but acknowledged that his effort and leadership would serve plenty of teams well .
Ultimately, this is a high-reward, low-risk move. Detroit’s roster remains hinged on their core, and these two additions don’t burden payroll or disrupt team chemistry. Instead, they inject blue-collar values and developmental upside. If Summer League reveals that Lanier can consistently get buckets and Zeigler can hold a command, Detroit will have gained two valuable contributors. If not, the organization retains cap flexibility and continuation of the core plan.
For fans and analysts, the Summer League becomes more than summer entertainment—it will serve as a harbinger of Detroit’s future. Will Lanier’s deep shooting and catch-and-shoot rhythm carry over? Can Zeigler’s humility and tenacity break through NBA skepticism around height? Answers lie in Las Vegas, and the Pistons are positioned to uncover them. The July showcase may unfold quietly, but its implications could resonate throughout Detroit’s 2025–26 campaign.
In the end, this reunion—Tennessee-to-Detroit, sharpshooter to playmaker—represents an intelligently curated experiment: veteran coach plus young coach; scorer plus facilitator; size plus grit. Should either guard rise, Detroit’s reshaped yet stable approach will reap rewards. And if both do? The Pistons’ methodical off-season may evolve into a headline story of its own—proving sometimes the most impactful moves are the least flashy, but most thoughtfully crafted.
Stay locked in. From touchdown passes on hot streaks to game-management poise, Lanier and Zeigler’s Summer League saga may just be Detroit’s next big chapter.
