Detroit Pistons: Keys to Isaiah Stewart avoiding the sophomore slump
Isaiah Stewart was an All-Rookie selection last season, earning the trust of his coaching staff in the process. He led all rookies in blocks and total rebounds in his debut season for the Detroit Pistons. Now head coach Dwane Casey looks to give him a bigger role in the starting unit after a his grit and determination earned him the position. But a lot of players struggle in year two, so how can Isaiah Stewart avoid the dreaded “Sophomore Slump?”
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Stewart is slowly coming along since the ankle injury he sustained in a Team USA practice. Missing time is rough on any player, especially a young one being thrust into the starting lineup. Stewart in his three preseason games is averaging 6.0 points 6.7 rebounds 1.7 blocks. He’s currently leading the team in rebounds and blocks in the preseason.
With more expected from him as a starting center in year two, here are three ways he can avoid taking a step back
Isaiah Stewart: Setting screens/pick-and-roll action
Stewart’s ability to set solid screens will make scoring come easy for the big man. He’ll be with two unselfish guards running a substantial amount of pick and roll. Cade Cunningham and Killian Hayes will get the big man his touches. Whether it’s rolling to the basket or popping out behind the arc he’ll be getting shots out of the PnR. He worked diligently last season to increase his shooting which will be a key to him taking the next step as a player.
Setting screens is a art form. Pick-and-roll basketball has multiple dynamics to the set. Traditionally the player setting the screen is who’ll end up open. The different variations of defensive schemes will dictate what spots on the floor open up. In the PnR it’s hard to contain all the action. With the way it creates open shots, the PnR creates a “pick your poison” type offense.
Stewart will be partly responsible for how other coach’s defensive schemes will be applied. If he gets to the open spots on the floor he could flourish in his second season. Rolling to the basket with aggression will get him easy baskets and trips to the free throw line. Package that with the ability to shoot from three and he’ll be a double digit scoring threat.