Underrated Pistons big Isaiah Stewart should be a lock for major accolade

Detroit Pistons big man Isaiah Stewart has firmly established himself as one of the best defensive players in the NBA. It's a development that those outside of Detroit may not be aware of, but anyone even remotely close to the organization has insisted is true.

Though much could change between now and the end of the 2025-26 regular season, Stewart has built an undeniable case nearing the midway point for an All-Defensive Team selection.

Stewart has been an anchor for the Pistons during his sixth NBA season. He's bounced back from a difficult 2024-25 campaign during which his minutes were cut to a career-low 19.9 per game by going all-out on defense, dominating as a shot-blocker, setting a tone as a rebounder, and dismantling the pick and roll.

If domination sounds like an exaggeration of what Stewart has managed, note that no qualified NBA player is forcing opponents to shoot a lower percentage at the rim.

There are no shortage of high-level players competing for All-Defense in 2025-26, but up to this point, no one has a stronger case than Stewart.

Isaiah Stewart should be an All-Defense lock if he sustains his form

Stewart isn't just meeting opponents at the rim and causing misses—he's deterring them from even attempting shots. Slashers are routinely second-guessing their plan of attack when he enters the frame, thus altering entire offensive strategies.

That's reflected not only in the aforementioned statistics, but in a wide array of numbers that quantify the brilliance of Stewart's season.

Stewart currently ranks No. 1 in the NBA in rim disruption and No. 3 in rim protection, per Basketball Index. He also places in the 93rd percentile in rim deterrence, the 99th percentile in screener mobile defense, the 95th percentile in screener rim defense, and the 73rd percentile in defensive rebounds per 75 possessions.

Stewart is also averaging 2.1 blocks per game and 3.1 per 36 minutes—elite production that hasn't increased all that drastically from his average of 2.5 per 36 in 2024-25.

With the Pistons currently ranked No. 2 in the NBA in defensive rating, Stewart's case for All-Defense recognition grows even stronger. He's not just thriving individually, but setting the tone for one of the best defensive teams in the Association.

If Stewart is able to stay the course and continue playing at this level, then the NBA will have no valid reason to keep him off of his first career All-Defensive Team at the end of the season.