If you aren’t a fan of the Detroit Pistons, then you probably don’t like Isaiah Stewart and he’s perfectly ok with that.
Stewart is the type of player you dislike unless he is on your team, as he plays physically and isn’t afraid to mix it up, which is pretty much all casual fans know about him.
Go type “Isaiah Stewart” into X and see what I mean, as you will mostly see posts of fans complaining about Beef Stew for one reason or another, reducing him to a guy who starts fights but doesn’t do much else.
Pistons fans know differently, as Stew has been a huge part of their success this season after returning from power forward back to center, as the guy off the bench who sparks the defense and changes the game as soon as he steps on the floor.
Of course, Stew does have his moments and certainly has a reputation, and three numbers epitomize his season for the Detroit Pistons, which should end with a spot on the All-Defensive team.
21
This is the number of blocks Isaiah Stewart has had since the All-Star break, which is currently tied for the most in the NBA.
Because he’s not a towering 7-footer, people don’t think of Stewart as a rim protector, but he uses his wingspan and strength to deflect most of what comes his way at the rim.
All shot blockers get dunked on at times, which is just part of going after so many shots, but Stewart rejects them more times than not. He did get dunked on last night, but ended the game with five blocks and the win, which he will take every time.
46%
This is the field goal percentage for players shooting layups or dunks when Stewart is the closest defender, which is easily the best in the NBA.
Not only is it the best in the NBA this season, but according to The Athletic (subscription), this is the best number by a rim protector in five seasons.
Even when Stewart doesn’t get the block, he affects just about every shot around the rim with his length and effort. Players have to adjust their shots to get it over him, which often leads to misses even when he doesn’t get a hand on it.
12
The number of technical fouls Stewart has this season, which is tied for third in the NBA behind Anthony Edwards (17) and Dillon Brooks (14).
Stewart is currently tied with Draymond Green with 12 on the season. Beef Stew doesn’t do a lot of chirping to the refs, so most of his T’s have come on extracurricular activity after plays, something he does need to cut out.
Stewart has a big target on his back, so anything he does will be interpreted negatively, as we saw recently when he was T’d up for running back to the bench without even looking at the ref.
These numbers accurately reflect how Stewart is viewed, as those who don’t see him play much just think of him as a guy who likes to stir the pot, while those of us who watch him every game know he’s one of the best rim protectors in the NBA.
Will the first factor negate the second when it comes to the All-Defensive team this season?