Isaiah Stewart is undoubtedly one of the best defenders in the NBA, but a controversial rule could keep him from collecting any NBA awards.
Stewart’s coach and teammates are singing his praises this season, as Stewart has been unbelievable, blocking two shots per game and acting as the anchor to one of the league’s best defenses.
Stewart leads the league in opponents’ field goal percentage at the rim, and most of the people who try him there end up regretting it, as Stewart has the timing, wingspan and strength to block just about anything.
Coach JB Bickerstaff was recently talking him up in the press, saying to Omari Sankofa II, “He’s the best defensive center in the league and it’s not close...And I think it’s time that everybody who watches basketball recognizes it.”
Teammate Cade Cunningham went even further in his praise of Stewart’s defense, saying, “I think he’s the best defensive player in the league...I would love to see him get a Defensive Player of the Year award, ’cause I think he deserves it. I see the best defenders in the league all the time, and I’m thankful I don’t have to see Stew.”
Stewart’s opponents have certainly felt it, and if it were up to opposing coaches and teams, Stewart would undoubtedly make the All-Defensive team, but just like last season, Stewart may not even be eligible.
NBA eligibility rule could cost Isaiah Stewart again
To be eligible for postseason awards, a player must play at least 20 minutes in at least 65 games, a threshold Stewart barely missed last season, which probably cost him a place on the All-Defensive team.
So far in this season, Stewart is averaging over 22 minutes per game, so he is playing more, but he has already failed to play at least 20 minutes six times this season, which means he can only do it 11 more times before he is ineligible for awards.
Stewart has also missed three games because of injury, so he will have to stay healthy and continue to play big minutes if he wants to get any postseason recognition for his defense.
This won’t be easy, as Stewart has the propensity for foul trouble at times, which could prevent him from playing the required 20 minutes. And after Stewart was out for the playoffs last season, the Pistons are going to do everything possible to keep him healthy, so he may miss a game or two just to keep him fresh.
They also have Paul Reed as a reliable backup, so if either of their centers are in foul trouble or injured, they won’t hesitate to turn to BBall Paul.
We saw in the last game that Stewart can also lose his cool at times and has a reputation that will earn him a quick ejection, as happened against the Bucks.
Stewart is one of the best rim protectors and defenders in basketball, but he’ll have to stay healthy and on the floor to be recognized for it.