The Detroit Pistons are continuing their impressive run to start the regular season, defeating the Celtics on the road in a statement game. Their calling card continues to be defense, allowing the second-fewest points per 100 possessions in the league. One of the most underrated aspects of their elite defensive unit has been the play of Isaiah Stewart.
When Isaiah Stewart first emerged, he was seen as an energy guy who brought hustle and rebounding. He was a limited offensive player and didn't provide much else on either end of the floor. Over the years, however, he has admirably turned himself into not only a versatile player but also one of the best defenders in the NBA.
Isaiah Stewart Should Be a Sixth Man of the Year Candidate
Stewart only plays 22.4 minutes per game, but has been one of the most impactful bench players in the league. He has become an elite rim protector, averaging 1.9 blocks per game. In fact, he is holding his opponents to 44.8% at the rim against shots he defends, the second-lowest mark in the league, per NBA.com data. Monday night, his impact in the paint was palpable as he stopped Jaylen Brown at the rim on multiple occasions.
Offensively, Stewart is in the midst of his most efficient season. Hitting 40% of his 3-pointers, Stewart has a True Shooting percentage of 63.8, easily his career best. The fact that he is taking and making 3-pointers again provides the Pistons with much-needed spacing. In addition, he continues to be a beast on the glass on both ends of the floor, serving as a big reason why the Pistons are second in the league in offensive rebound rate, according to Cleaning the Glass.
The Pistons have a clear identity that is driving their success. They defend, play hard, and are a nightmare to play against. Stewart is a big part of that identity and is one of the top reasons why the Pistons strike fear into their opponents night in and night out.
The NBA's Sixth Man of the Year award is rarely given to a defense-first player. It's generally awarded to one of the top scorers off the bench. If it were actually about which player provides the most impact as a sixth man, it's hard to find a more deserving candidate than Stewart. Even if he doesn't get the recognition he deserves from the rest of the league, Pistons fans understand how lucky they are to have one of the best defensive bigs in the NBA.
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