After both of their usual centers disappointed in the playoffs, the Pistons decided to trade away fan favorite Isaiah Stewart this offseason in hopes of improving at other positions and moving third-stringer Paul Reed into a bigger role. For the Pistons to reconsider this decision, Stewart will need to not only maintain his typical excellent defense but also add new elements to his offensive game, especially better three-point shooting.
Stewart feels that he can reach another level
In the season before head coach JB Bickerstaff, the Pistons suffered a franchise-record 68 losses. But one bright spot was Stewart's development on both sides of the ball, including shooting 38% from deep on almost 4 attempts per game. However, that element of his game largely disappeared in two seasons under Bickerstaff - even though Stewart expressed excitement about shooting more threes before last season.
During his first season with Bickerstaff, Stewart's three-point rate cratered to just 0.7 per game. Last season, he had a bit more leeway to shoot and got up 2.1 per game, but hit only 33% of them. Stewart likely felt that he didn't get enough attempts to develop a proper rhythm as he had before Bickerstaff's arrival. But the Pistons chose to go in another direction and instead add shooting through new acquisitions.
In general, Stewart played a very limited offensive role in Detroit during the Pistons' last two winning seasons. He was tasked with finishing simple looks off the playmaking of Cade Cunningham, rather than being given much freedom to create his own shots. As we've gotten more details about Stewart's eventual exit from the Pistons, it's become more and more clear that he personally believes he can do more on offense but would never get the opportunity in Detroit.
The Grizzlies will offer Stewart a golden opportunity
On his new team in Memphis, Stewart should have more freedom to explore offensively while still providing a strong veteran presence on defense. The Grizzlies are a rebuilding team with a new centerpiece in Cameron Boozer, whose unique skillset at the power forward spot could actually create a lot of three-point opportunities for Stewart.
The Grizzlies' strength next season will be in their frontcourt and they're likely to give all their big men some postup opportunities, Stewart included. For now, the team seems built around Boozer and center Zach Edey as their core, but Stewart can compliment either player with a sufficiently versatile offensive skillset. His three-point shooting should fit alongside either one, especially Edey as a dominant paint presence. And Stewart's physicality will be a nice touch with Boozer's finesse.
The Pistons fully expect Stewart to continue being a premier rim protector and elite defender, but an offensive leap would surprise them. If Stewart comes out with revamped shooting and a better scoring bag next season, the Pistons will have a lot of regret that they didn't hold on to him.
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