The Golden State Warriors are projected to select Tennessee sharpshooter Chaz Lanier with the No. 44 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, a move that could inject much-needed youth and floor spacing into an aging roster.
As reported by Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report, Lanier’s elite shooting and off-ball movement make him a potential fit in Golden State’s offense, which has long been predicated on spacing, motion, and perimeter shot-making.
Lanier, a 6-foot-5, 207-pound senior guard, spent four years at North Florida before transferring to Tennessee, where he averaged 17.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game in the 2024-25 season.
His shooting splits were among the best in the nation, knocking down 39.5% from deep at Tennessee after making 44% of his threes the year prior. According to Wasserman, his ability to shoot off screens, in transition, and in tough situations draws comparisons to Seth Curry and Alec Burks, two proven NBA veterans known for their sniper-like efficiency.
Wasserman noted that although Lanier struggled against elite defenses like Houston’s, his overall shot-making, especially in the NCAA Tournament, where he hit 10 threes in the first two games, was too impressive to ignore.
For a Warriors team in need of immediate help and bench scoring, Lanier’s advanced age and five years of collegiate seasoning make him one of the more NBA-ready second-round prospects.
ESPN’s Jeff Borzello added to the praise, reporting that Lanier was one of the standout performers at the NBA Draft Combine. He finished in the top five in all three 3-point shooting drills and showcased elite touch and agility.
He ranked fifth in pro lane agility, third in no-step vertical leap, and fourth in max vertical leap, confirming his athleticism and potential to contribute at the next level despite being undersized for a shooting guard.
While Lanier isn’t expected to be a franchise changer, his potential as a reliable role player who spaces the floor and keeps defenses honest could prove invaluable in Golden State’s current context.
The Warriors have heavily relied on veterans Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler, but their window is narrowing, and they desperately need to inject young talent capable of contributing immediately.
The Warriors’ front office also faces serious roster questions. With Jonathan Kuminga entering restricted free agency and likely to attract strong offers,
Golden State may find itself forced to let the 21-year-old walk if the financial burden becomes too high under the NBA’s new CBA rules. The Warriors are also paying heavy penalties near the luxury tax’s second apron, which could limit their flexibility in retaining or adding talent.
In a Western Conference stacked with emerging young teams like the Thunder, Timberwolves, Rockets, and Spurs, the Warriors must adapt quickly or risk falling behind.
Selecting a polished shooter like Lanier in the second round might not steal headlines, but it could be a sneaky win for a team still trying to bridge the gap between past dominance and future relevance.
