Chaz Lanier’s prospects in the upcoming NBA Draft remain promising, with discussions suggesting that he could potentially be a late first-round pick. An Eastern Conference executive shared insights with The Athletic, highlighting Lanier’s scoring ability, stating, “That damn guy can score.” This places Lanier in the range of picks 28 to 30, making him a desirable option for teams drafting in those spots.
The NBA Draft is set to take place on Wednesday at 8 p.m. Eastern Time, followed by the second round on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET. Recent mock drafts indicate varying predictions for Lanier, with ESPN and The Athletic both predicting he could land at No. 37 overall with the Detroit Pistons. Other sources like NBA.com, NBC Sports, and On3 forecast him going to the San Antonio Spurs or New Orleans Pelicans, demonstrating a consistent interest in his skill set.
Lanier had an impressive season at Tennessee after transferring from North Florida, averaging 18.0 points per game while showcasing his sharpshooting skills with a 39.5% success rate from beyond the arc. Notably, he set a new record for three-pointers in a single season at Tennessee, surpassing Chris Lofton’s previous mark.
In recognition of his talent, Lanier received the prestigious Jerry West Award as college basketball’s best shooting guard, along with multiple All-American honors and accolades including First Team All-SEC, making him a standout prospect.
A college assistant coach emphasized his shooting skills, noting his elite status as a shooter, and praised his mental and physical toughness. As Lanier approaches the draft, fans are hopeful for his potential to impact the NBA, particularly with teams in need of strong scorers and capable defenders. His journey in the league could inspire many aspiring athletes looking to make their mark at the professional level.