The Miami Heat were unexpected NBA Finalists last season in part because of the ascension of Bam Adebayo. The Detroit Pistons are hoping they have the next big to blow up in rookie Isaiah Stewart.
Adebayo’s ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions was a big part of Miami’s success and the 4th year forward/center is now considered one of the best big men in the modern game.
He is now an All-Star and a key part of Miami’s core, which is exactly what the Detroit Pistons are hoping will happen with Isaiah Stewart.
Sound silly? There are a lot more similarities than you might think, in fact, it’s arguable that Stewart is better at the same point in their respective careers.
Let’s take a look at the numbers.
Detroit Pistons: Isaiah Stewart is similar to Bam Adebayo
First off, Stewart came into the NBA a year younger than Adebayo, so he is already ahead of him developmentally in that regard.
But the numbers from their rookie seasons are very similar. Adebayo averaged 6.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and .6 blocks per game on 51 percent shooting. He was playing under 20 minutes a game and didn’t show much range on his jumper.
Stewart’s numbers are actually better, as he is averaging 5.8 points, 5.8 rebounds 1.03 blocks and shooting 56.8 percent from the field.
Stewart has also shown more range on his jumper than Adebayo had in his rookie season, as Beef Stew is now 44 percent from deep after hitting two more last night.
Adebayo just kept getting progressively better until his third season when he was an All-Star and helped lead Miami to the Finals. He is now averaging 18.9 points, 9.5 rebounds and a block while making teams rethink the big man position.
Could Isaiah Stewart eventually get there himself? I think the answer is absolutely yes, as both he and Adebayo have strong work ethics, great attitudes and motors that won’t quit.
Adebayo’s ascension happened largely because he got in the gym and worked on his shooting, as he was already a plus rebounder and defender when he came into the league.
Stewart might already be better defensively than Adebayo was as a rookie and he is a full year younger, which has to excite Pistons’ fans, who have been waiting a long time for some young talent to build around.
The Detroit Pistons are starting their own young team and could be Miami sooner rather than later, as they have strong wing in Jerami Grant, two top rookies and a new culture being established that is built around defense and hustle.
The future is bright for the Detroit Pistons and it might not be long before they are making an unexpected Finals run behind their own young big man.