What can we expect from the Pistons this season? Coty M. Davis of The Detroit News provides a player-by-player analysis leading into the start of training camp. Sixth in a series: Isaiah Stewart.
Last season
As the Detroit Pistons' longest-tenured player, Isaiah Stewart was on his third coach in four seasons. He had high hopes for coach Monty Williams entering the 2023-24 season. But after the abysmal campaign, no one would have blamed Stewart had he been reluctant to buy into coach J.B. Bickerstaff's principles a year later.
But Stewart decided to be optimistic. He adopted Bickerstaff's philosophies and the demands made for his big men to be physical, protect the rim, rebound and set screens, which resulted in Stewart putting together the best season of his career.
Stewart took the helm as the Pistons' defensive anchor in each of the 72 games he played last season. He notched a career-best 1.4 blocks per game, in addition to 5.5 rebounds and 6.0 points. While leading all reserves in rejections, Stewart ranked 11th in the league in block shots. Had Stewart played more minutes — he averaged 19.9 per game — he might have been honored with a spot on the NBA's All-Defensive Team.
Stewart was vital to the Pistons' resurgence last season, but his impact was significantly felt during Detroit's six-game playoff series against the New York Knicks.
He suffered a knee injury during Game 1 at Madison Square Garden and left early in the fourth quarter, and would miss the rest of the series. His absence left a huge void in the Pistons' lineup, even with Paul Reed's contributions.
Had Stewart avoided the injury, the Pistons would have had a defensive presence to limit Karl-Anthony Towns' production. His talents could also have been enough to change the series' outcome for Detroit.
2025-26 outlook
In July, Pistons president Trajan Langdon said he expects both Stewart and Jaden Ivey to be ready for the start of training camp. Stewart is expected to reprise his role as Detroit's defensive anchor and a key contributor to the Pistons' bench production.
Bickerstaff's strategy maximized Stewart's performance last year. However, this season should result in Bickerstaff delving more into Stewart's offensive skill set, especially when it comes to his ability to shoot 3-pointers.
The year prior to Bickerstaff's arrival, Stewart averaged 3.8 attempts from behind the arc and nailed 38.3% of his shots. Last season, the veteran big man saw a massive decline in his 3-point attempts (0.7) and he shot 32.1%.
With his ability to shoot 3-pointers, the Pistons might benefit from additional floor spacing if Bickerstaff incorporates Stewart's shooting into the team's game plan. Whatever Bickerstaff demands, Stewart has shown he is willing to do whatever it takes to help the Pistons build on last season's success.
"It felt great to go out there and just do my job and to have an impact on winning," Stewart said last season. "I love it. I love the bang. I don't shy away from contact. I like to impose my will. I like to set the tone for us and send a message right away that it ain't gonna be that kind of game tonight."
Pistons previews
▶ Will Marcus Sasser have a more prominent role in Year 3?
▶ Can Paul Reed reprise his role as Detroit's unsung hero?
▶ Can Bobi Klintman and Chaz Lanier establish meaningful roles?
▶Can two-way prospects contribute to Detroit's depth?
▶Can Jaden Ivey return to form following broken leg?
coty.davis@detroitnews.com
@cotydavis_24
