Detroit Pistons: Is Isaiah Stewart the best big from the 2020 NBA draft?

Detroit Pistons: Isaiah Stewart and the bigs of the 2020 NBA Draft

Precious Achiuwa 

Achiuwa has emerged as the best candidate to rival Isaiah Stewart as the best big in their class. Since being traded to the Raptors he’s really found his game, thriving in their system. Versatility scoring, rebounding, this big brings a unique skill set to the discussion. Last season he averaged 9.1 points 6.5 rebounds and 1.1 assists. All while shooting 36 percent from three, on two attempts per game.

Like the other bigs, Stewart has a major advantage rebounding the basketball. This is a reoccurring theme due to his nonstop motor, and determination. That’s exactly what he brings night after night for the Detroit Pistons, which is why his class has a ways to go to challenge his rebound totals.

Stewart averaged fewer points but was more efficient. Stew shot 50 percent from the field while Achiuwa shot close to 44 percent. Bigs touches are limited in today’s game, so being able to score efficiently is rewarded with opportunity in the form of minutes from coaches. Precious has shown the better three ball early on, Stewart’s much better from the free throw line. When it comes to scoring  these two players are pretty even.

Little things make a big difference

A major part of a bigs game is setting screens and Stewart’s becoming one of the best in the league. Him and Cade have a unique chemistry, his highway screens late last season were beautiful for basketball fans to observe. He’s a very cerebral player who understands the nuances at just 21 years old. He maybe undersized but he won’t be out-worked. Precious maybe on his heels next season but right now he’s still the best big from the 2020 NBA Draft.

Isaiah Stewart top of his class 

Isaiah Stewart doesn’t have a flashy game, he’s more of a “meat and potatoes” type of guy. He has accumulated 20 double doubles while the three other top bigs mentioned tallied 21 combined. He’s by far the best rebounder from his class, and one of the best offensive rebounders in the NBA.

He sets screens, does all the dirty work, he’s the scrappy guy most fans don’t care for unless he’s on your team. He can still grow so much in his role and the sky is the limit for this young man. In a draft that saw two bigs chosen in the top ten (James Wiseman 2nd overall & Onyeka Okungwu 6th overall) it’s safe to say Stewart’s name should’ve been called earlier.

Wiseman still has the most potential of all the bigs in that 2020 draft. However there’s another word that starts with the letter “P” and it’s production. That’s what Beef Stew has been, the most productive center of his class. Since entering the league his reputation as a fierce competitor who won’t back down has been growing. Isaiah Stewart earned his right to be called the best big of the 2020 NBA Draft.