Isaiah Stewart, Pistons
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Isaiah Stewart was named Eastern Conference Defensive Player of the Month for December.
Detroit Pistons’ Isaiah Stewart was recently named the Eastern Conference’s Defensive Player of the Month for December.
A well-deserved honor for Detroit’s big man as he recorded 28 blocks in December. Through 31 games, Stewart ranks third in the league in blocks per game with two. In their last game against the Miami Heat, Stewart recorded his 400th career block and became the 10th player in team history to record 400 blocks.
Stewart has been a catalyst on the defensive end for the Pistons and has embraced that “Bad Boy” mentality.
He’s also been effective on the glass averaging 5.7 rebounds a game.
Isaiah Stewart, the Defensive Specialist for the Pistons
𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔇𝔢𝔱𝔯𝔬𝔦𝔱 𝔗𝔦𝔪𝔢𝔰 📰
After last nights game, Pistons PF/C Isaiah Stewart is now 10th ALL-TIME in franchise history with 400 career blocks 🏆
Through 34 games, the Pistons currently lead the league in blocks at 6.2 per game and Stewart is leading that charge. Detroit selected Stewart with the 16th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. Stewart has been through it all with Detroit and has enjoyed his time in the Motor City.
“I know I can’t be replaced,” Stewart told ESPN. “I don’t say that to be arrogant, but I know I resonate with the city. I was here in the trenches, setting the culture when nobody didn’t give a f— about Detroit.”
When Stewart is on the court, his presence is immediately felt. When the team needs a stop on defense, Stewart will do everything he can to make that happen. If an opposing player is driving to the rim and Stewart is there, it will not be an easy basket for that player.
Stewart takes pride in his defense and is not afraid to hold his teammates accountable either. In their recent loss against the Heat, Stewart talked about the team’s defense. “Of course, definitely. You know, we haven’t played to our standard on that side of the floor. What we’re known for on that side of the floor hasn’t been there this last stretch out west or even tonight,” Stewart said after the game.
Though he’s come off the bench for majority of the games this season, Stewart is making a strong case to be named to an All-Defensive team this year.
Isaiah Stewart, Top Defender in the League
Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff made a bold claim about his center.“He’s the best defensive center in the league, and it’s not close. I think it’s time for everybody who watches basketball to recognize it,” Bickerstaff said. “It’s not just something that we see here in Detroit, he’s the best defensive big in the game.”
Bickerstaff did not hold back at all when talking about Stewart and the league is starting to take notice of Stewart and how he plays the game. The 2004 Pistons that won the NBA Finals were known for their defense and Stewart would have been a good addition to that team.
Stewart, who is in his sixth season with Detroit, has been a part of some teams who were not successful at all and now he’s a part of a team that is a top of the Eastern Conference.
As long as Stewart remains healthy, he’ll continue to make an impact on defense and make a case as one of the top defenders in the league.