The Pistons have an Isaiah Stewart problem that could cloud his future

Isaiah Stewart is out with a strained calf that will be re-evaluated in a week, an unfortunate problem the Detroit Pistons have faced before. 

Stewart is already ineligible for the All-Defensive team, as he won’t meet the 65-game mark for consideration, which is a shame, as he’s been one of the most impactful defenders in the league for the NBA’s second-best defense. 

This is nothing new for Stewart, who has failed to play 65 games in three of the last four seasons. 

It’s not a problem that is likely to go away, as Stewart plays a physical style and does take a beating in nearly every game. His risky challenges at the rim are an injury waiting to happen, but also part of what makes Stewart such an imposing defender, as he’s not afraid to put his body on the line to get a stop. 

The Pistons were without Stewart for most of last year’s playoffs, and it likely cost them the series against the Knicks, so another injury this late in the season is not only concerning but could put Stewart’s future with the Pistons in doubt. 

Would the Pistons trade Isaiah Stewart? 

The short answer to this question is no. 

The long answer is that no one but Cade Cunningham is truly untouchable, so yes, the Pistons would potentially move Stewart in the right deal. 

He’s one of their best trade assets as a proven defender who is on a team-friendly deal, so if the Pistons needed that money to make a move for someone like Giannis, Stewart would not be a dealbreaker. 

But he would be in most of the fake trades we are seeing already, many of which have the Pistons giving up way too much for players who aren’t real stars. 

The Pistons clearly value Stewart and won’t be shopping him this summer, but I do have to wonder if his persistent injury issues will be a consideration. 

Stewart still has time to get right before the playoffs, so we have to hope a week off is just what he needs to be 100 percent when the postseason starts. 

The Pistons know this and will give him time to get right, but the clock is ticking, as the Celtics are just 3.5 games behind the Pistons and creeping fast. 

Paul Reed has played well for most of the season, and if he can continue to provide impact minutes in Stewart’s absence, it’s something the Pistons will have to think about this summer, especially if Stewart isn’t right for the playoffs. 

Those are all future problems, and the more pressing issue is getting Stewart right and playing well before the playoffs start, but his lack of availability late in seasons has to be a concern moving forward.