Detroit Pistons: Isaiah Stewart is already a top shot blocker

The Detroit Pistons are getting exciting play from their four rookies including Isaiah Stewart.

Stewart, nicknamed Beef Stew (with the T-shirt to prove it) has already endeared himself to Pistons’ fans with his hard-nosed defense, hustle and Ben Wallace-like affinity for defending any and every player on the floor.

Isaiah Stewart and fellow rookie Saddiq Bey are the only teammates on the Rookie Ladder and both are looking like two of the biggest steals from the draft.

Stewart is leading all rookies in rebounding, shot blocking and field goal percentage and should be a lock for the All-Rookie team at center.

His range has improved and fans have had to re-evaluate what his ceiling might be, as he is looking like the second coming of All-Star Bam Adebayo.

But it is Stewart’s shot blocking that has gotten attention of late, as he has already cemented himself as not only the best rookie shot blocker, but one of the best in the NBA.

Detroit Pistons: Isaiah Stewart’s shot blocking numbers

After swatting two more last night against the Bulls, Isaiah Stewart now has 26 games with at least two blocks.

There are only nine players in the NBA total who have achieved this feat, and Stewart is definitely the only one who did it as a teenager.

His 1.3 blocked shots per game are tied for 13th in the NBA with reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and just a tick behind current MVP frontrunner Joel Embiid.

This is even more impressive considering Isaiah Stewart is a rookie and playing the third-fewest minutes of anyone in the top-15 of shot blockers.

Stewart has the second highest PER of any rookie, largely because of his outstanding defense. He is not only the best rookie shot blocker but might be the best rookie defender overall when you take a look at the numbers and his ability to switch on the perimeter.

The Detroit Pistons are building around defense and they have a solid foundation with Isaiah Stewart in the middle.