Detroit Pistons: Isaiah Stewart is getting love from the national media

The national media is finally starting to realize what fans of the Detroit Pistons have been screaming all season: Isaiah Stewart is special.

Stewart is already a fan favorite in Detroit, earning the nickname Beef Stew, which not only got him his own T-Shirt, but has crept its way into the larger national scene.

Stewart was already getting props on the KIA Rookie Ladder, where he continues to climb as puts up big numbers night after night.

He is leading all rookies in rebounds, blocked shots and field goal percentage and has the second-highest PER next to LaMelo Ball.

Perhaps his biggest achievement is making it into Zach Lowe’s popular “10 Things” article this week, as the ESPN analyst was giving big love to Beef Stew.

Detroit Pistons: Zach Lowe is all about Isaiah Stewart

Zach Lowe is one of the few national writers who actually seems to watch the Pistons and he is loving what he sees.

In his latest “10 Things” article, he broke down Isaiah Stewart’s defense and ability to switch onto perimeter players.

The ability to switch on the point guards is a huge weapon for a modern center, as it allows his team to play smaller, faster and to not have a lane-clogging traditional five on the floor who can only defend one spot.

According to Lowe, Stewart is one of the best bigs in the NBA at switching onto point guards:

"“The Pistons have allowed a measly 0.756 points per chance when Stewart switches from screener to ball handler — 12th lowest among 171 players who have switched at least 50 such plays, per Second Spectrum.”"

When you factor in his rebounding, shot blocking and ability to step away from the hoop, Stewart’s ceiling is much higher than people initially thought, which is why he is starting to turn some heads in the national media.

Lowe said that Stewart is a  “legit candidate for first-team All-Rookie” and I agree, as he has not only been the best center in his class but arguably the best defender overall as well.

Beef Stew is already a favorite in Detroit but it is nice to see him getting some love from the heavy hitters at ESPN as well.