After his first preseason game, Pistons rookie Chaz Lanier was very complimentary of star guard Cade Cunningham

Playing in his first preseason game as a member of the Detroit Pistons, rookie guard Chaz Lanier had a lot to focus on last night. Apart from his preseason debut, Lanier was playing in front of his family since he’s from Nashville and went to college at Tennessee, so the 6-4 guard had a lot to manage on Monday night in the Pistons’ 16-point victory during his first outing as a pro.

“It's just a blessing being able to come out here and play with the guys,” Lanier said after the game. “I just wanted to come out here and use the talents that God gave me, and it's just a blessing to be out here.”

Taking the floor midway through the first quarter, Lanier hit the court with Marcus Sasser, Caris LeVert, Duncan Robinson and Paul Reed in what was a full line change for Detroit’s first unit. At that point, the Pistons were already trailing and looked to the second team for a bit of momentum with positive messaging spread across the Detroit bench.

“Just keep going, just continue to be us,” Lanier said of his mindset despite the 20-point first half deficit. “We have a lot of grit. I was thinking like back in college, if you’re down 20, I mean, the game's almost over, but here in the NBA it’s a little bit different. So, just continue to have grit and be us.”

With that realization sinking in, Lanier settled into his role quickly and started knocking down shots. Praised for his long range ability in college, Lanier continued his steady stroke from three and connected on 60% of his long range attempts (3-for-5) in Monday’s win. 

Cade Cunningham, Chaz Lanier And Paul Reed Standout In Pistons 16-Point Preseason Win The trio of Pistons players had a strong preseason debut against the Grizzlies

“It was just super fun to be out there and go out there and have fun,” Lanier said. “I heard a lot of Volunteer fans out there in the crowd, so shout out to them. It was great to be back in the home state and have a lot of family out here to watch me and support, so it's just a big blessing.”

During training camp, Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff praised Lanier for his off-ball movement and ability to read the game, and both of those qualities shined brightly in the rookie’s 11-point debut. 

When it comes to Pistons star guard Cade Cunningham, who Lanier will be sharing the floor with at times throughout the 2025-26 campaign, the third-team All-NBA player impressed his new rookie teammate last night. 

“He’s the truth,” Lanier said. “He’s as good as advertised– he’s that. Great dude, he’s a great dude off the floor as well.”

Cunningham dropped 20 points in the preseason win in addition to four assists, three rebounds and two steals, making it look effortless in the process as Cade is known to do. But overall, the Pistons battled back with hard-nosed defense and a penchant for the transition game. Additionally, Detroit dominated the paint, and that helped Lanier and the Pistons stage a considerable comeback en route to the 16-point victory.

“It's definitely a great win, great first time to step on the floor with everybody,” Lanier said. “Everybody on the team stepped on the floor and gave it all that they had. So, I mean, that's just a testament to the organization that coach J.B. has out here and just a great team.”

Next, the Detroit Pistons will take on the Milwaukee Bucks in a preseason contest on Thursday, Oct. 9 at 8 pm. 

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