Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart’s two-game suspension has solidified his reputation as a physical player. The referees ejected Stewart, Ron Holland , and Marcus Sasser during the Pistons’ 123-104 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Naz Reid and Donte DiVincenzo were ejected for the Timberwolves. Those three players out for the Pistons put them at a disadvantage they couldn’t recover from.
This season has been a mix of highs and lows for the longest-tenured Piston. On one hand, Stewart has become one of the league’s top rim protectors, consistently challenging opponents at the basket. On the other hand, his second suspension of the year and his proximity to another one due to technical fouls highlight his ongoing disciplinary struggles.
In a press release , NBA Executive Vice President Joe Dumars said Stewart’s suspension was due to his “unsportsmanlike acts” history. The league often punishes physical players like Stewart. Is his “dirty player” label fair, or is he a victim of changing rules due to his level of physicality?
Has the NBA Gone Soft? Isaiah Stewart’s Physical Style Says Yes
Isaiah Stewart’s Physicality Is In the Wrong Era
Over the years, the NBA has increasingly tailored its game to favor offense. Rules that once allowed for more physical defense, like hand-checking and being aggressive at the point of attack, have been phased out. As a result, defense and physicality on that end of the floor have become less emphasized.
This shift doesn’t play to the strengths of Stewart, who thrives on contact and the physical side of the game. He’s not afraid to impose his presence, often giving opponents a little nudge to discourage them from attacking the paint. But as long as the league emphasizes penalizing players for being too physical, Stewart will face challenges—and likely retain his label as a “dirty player”—even if he’s playing the rugged, aggressive style that’s part of his game.
Smoke With Whoever
Stewart’s physical style of play doesn’t erase the moments when his reputation as a tough, sometimes aggressive player feels warranted. As a rookie, he clashed with veterans like Blake Griffin , Markieff Morris , and Giannis Antetokounmpo . Then came the infamous altercation with LeBron James , where Stewart, bloodied by James, was on a mission for payback.
His run-ins didn’t stop there. Last season’s incident with Drew Eubanks nearly escalated to the point of legal consequences . This year, he’s had dust-ups with Thomas Bryant , Dalen Terry , Russell Westbrook , and even Steph Curry . With so many altercations on his résumé, some casual fans question whether Stewart is more known for his fights than his game. While those moments grab headlines, his impact extends far beyond them.
Heart And Soul Of The Pistons
Every great team has a player whose style sets the tone, and for the Pistons, that player is Stewart. His physicality has become a defining trait of the team, and with the hiring of J.B. Bickerstaff—who embraces a rugged, hard-nosed style of basketball—the Pistons are leaning further into that identity. Championship teams need enforcers, and the Pistons have always built around players who bring that edge.
The franchise has thrived on toughness, from Isiah Thomas and Bill Laimbeer during the “Bad Boys” era to Ben Wallace and the “Goin’ to Work” Pistons. Stewart continues that tradition, allowing his teammates to play their game without being the enforcer. No label will change who Stewart is or how this Pistons team strives to grow.
The Last Word
Stewart’s label as a tough, physical player is both a strength and a challenge. While his aggressive style has led to suspensions and altercations, it has also made him a key piece in shaping the Pistons’ identity. In an era where the NBA favors finesse over physicality, Stewart remains unapologetically himself—playing the game the only way he knows how.
Whether he’s seen as a dirty player or a throwback to more challenging basketball, one thing is clear—Stewart won’t change. As the Pistons continue to rebuild their identity, his presence guarantees they’ll keep playing with toughness, no matter how the league views it.
Photo credit: © Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
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