Despite their 121-113 loss to the Orlando Magic, the Detroit Pistons remain one of the six automatic playoff seeds in the Eastern Conference. After years of struggles, the team’s remarkable turnaround has drawn well-deserved praise. J.B. Bickerstaff has instilled confidence in his squad, encouraging them to play through mistakes while buying into his brand of basketball. Cade Cunningham , once a question mark for an All-Star selection, has elevated his game to the point that he is now a legitimate All-NBA candidate.
Amid all the recognition, Isaiah Stewart is one player who often flies under the radar. Drafted 16th overall in 2020 by the Portland Trail Blazers, Stewart’s journey to the Pistons came via a draft day trade with the Houston Rockets. Over five seasons , he has grown into the team’s heart and soul, with his relentless, physical style setting the tone for the Pistons’ resurgence.
Stewart has earned a reputation as a fearless competitor on the court, frequently clashing with some of the NBA’s biggest stars. While this has made him a villain on the road, Pistons fans love him for the same reason: his grit and toughness. But how has his willingness to embrace different roles contributed to the Pistons’ success? And why has he become such a polarizing figure? Let’s dive in.
Why Isaiah Stewart is the Pistons True Emotional Leader
Stewart Does Whatever It Takes to Help the Pistons Win
For most NBA players, the ultimate goal beyond winning a championship is to contribute meaningfully to their team. Since his rookie season, Stewart has consistently delivered, whether starting or coming off the bench. Over the past three seasons, he served as the Pistons’ primary starting power forward or center, averaging 9.9 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in 28 minutes per game. This season, under Bickerstaff, Stewart was asked to be the first big off the bench—a role he has embraced and thrived in.
Transitioning to a bench role has brought significant changes to Stewart’s responsibilities. Last season, he thrived in his role as a stretch-four, shooting an impressive 38.3% from three-point range—one of the highest marks on the team. This year, Bickerstaff has refocused Stewart’s game on rim protection and physical screen-setting, opening up perimeter opportunities for the Pistons’ guards.
Moving from the starting lineup to the bench could have frustrated many players, but Stewart has handled the transition with professionalism and maturity. His team-first mentality has allowed him to remain a significant contributor, proving that his impact goes beyond stats or starting positions.
Isiah Stewart: A Detroit Favorite, But Hated by Opponents Everywhere
One of the biggest clichés in sports is the idea that you’ll love this guy if he’s on your team but hate him if he’s not. Stewart embodies this sentiment perfectly. His style of play mirrors the city of Detroit—tough, gritty, and unapologetic. It’s no surprise that Stewart is the Pistons’ longest-tenured player, a reflection of how well he represents the team and its culture.
Known for its blue-collar mentality, Detroit is one of America’s toughest cities. It’s a place that has faced adversity but continues to rise and thrive. Stewart is no different, his relentless hustle and hard-nosed attitude are cherished by fans in Detroit. However, for those unfamiliar with him, his fiery on-court demeanor and clashes with stars often paint a different picture. Outsiders tend to judge him based on moments of conflict rather than the full scope of his contributions.
Stewart’s aggressive style has undoubtedly made him one of the most disliked players in the NBA by opposing fans. Much of this stems from high-profile incidents, such as his altercations with LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo . This season alone, Stewart is tied for third in technical fouls (8), alongside Draymond Green and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope . His matchup against the Orlando Magic on Saturday further highlighted his polarizing nature.
During that game, Stewart didn’t back down from Paolo Banchero’s trash talk. He clashed with Wendell Carter Jr. during a loose-ball scramble. He even exchanged heated words with the Magic bench. His physical, no-nonsense style may not win fans outside Detroit. However, it’s exactly what makes him beloved by Pistons faithful.
The Last Word
Isaiah Stewart may never be the flashiest player in the NBA. He may not be the most celebrated name either. However, his value to the Detroit Pistons cannot be overstated. His relentless effort and adaptability make him essential to the team’s success. Stewart’s willingness to do the dirty work has made him the heart and soul of this young squad.
His aggressive style might not win over opposing fans. Yet, Detroit embraces him for his toughness and grit. Stewart perfectly embodies the city’s resilient spirit and blue-collar mentality. As the Pistons continue their turnaround, Stewart’s role will remain vital. Whether as a starter, bench player, or emotional leader, he is indispensable. Love him or hate him, Stewart is the kind of competitor every team needs. He plays with passion, grit, and pride. For Detroit, he represents more than basketball—he is a symbol of the city itself.
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