Many NBA fans know that Las Vegas in early July is the place to be to watch some young, up-and-coming talent. The Detroit Pistons, along with the rest of the league, send a roster filled with draft picks, G League players, and even overseas veterans, who are all trying to showcase their talent.
Unfortunately for the Pistons, this year’s summer league was not as enjoyable to watch as past ones. Detroit finished with a 1-4 record and lost each of their last three games by double digits.
However, two potential rotational players — Ebuka Okorie and Chaz Lanier — shined in the Vegas lights, filling up the stat sheet, flashing promise, and giving fans signs of encouragement.
Ebuka Okorie
Ebuka Okorie, the standout from Stanford, continued to showcase his scoring ability, picking up right where he left off in college.
Detroit moved up during the 2026 NBA Draft to take Okorie with the No. 17 overall pick. Okorie, who averaged just over 23 points per game as a Cardinal, put up 91 points in his five Summer League games.
Of note, Okorie did not have the best shooting splits in Vegas. He shot 45% or better in just two of the five games. That said, his shot selection, ability to draw fouls, and overall comfort with the ball are a few traits that will earn him playing time come October.
Okorie will rarely ever be asked to control the offense. That is Cade Cunningham‘s job. However, Okorie showed potential to do so if it ever came down to it. His ability to get in the lane, draw multiple defenders, and find an open shooter will benefit Detroit greatly. The Pistons are in desperate need of more offensive juice.
While his offensive ability was thought to be his biggest strength before the draft, the part of Okorie’s game that impressed the most people in summer league was his defensive pressure. In Detroit’s game against Cleveland, Okorie recorded an astonishing seven steals. Pairing Okorie with Defensive Player of the Year finalist Ausar Thompson gives Detroit potential to field one of the best perimeter defenses in the league.
Chaz Lanier
During the Detroit Pistons’ playoff run this spring, it’s no secret that shooting was their biggest weakness. Finding a player or two who can consistently connect on three-pointers will benefit the team greatly. It might’ve found that player in Chaz Lanier.
Lanier caught fire from three in Vegas and never seemed to let go of it. The former Tennessee Volunteer shot over 50% from three on nine attempts per game, going 23/45 overall.
Additionally, Lanier put together one of the best two-game stretches a Pistons fan has probably ever seen from a player in summer league.
During this stretch, Lanier totaled 49 points on 15/24 shooting from three. It started with 25 points on 7/12 shooting from the outside against the Cleveland Cavaliers. One day later against the New York Knicks, he reached 24 points and went 8/12 from the perimeter.
Although Lanier was on the roster last season, Detroit used him quite sparingly. He played under eight minutes per game and suited up just 34 times. This was due to his poor shooting, as he shot only 28% from three.
But that was then. Chaz Lanier’s shooting has the potential to be a real difference-maker for Detroit this season.
Lanier and Okorie Ready to Shine for Detroit Pistons
It is never smart to overreact to Summer League statistics and results. That said, the performances of Ebuka Okorie and Chaz Lanier make it hard not to get excited for the Detroit Pistons’ regular season.
For now, Okorie and Lanier both seem to have provided answers to the questions asked by Detroit faithful. Shooting, ball handling, defensive pressure, and the ability to find the open man are all traits Okorie and Lanier will look to bring to the table.
Overall, the trip to Las Vegas didn’t go as planned with the team’s overall result. That said, Okorie and Lanier appear ready to become true contributors for the Pistons when October arrives.
Leave a comment