Forget the highlight dunks; Isaiah Stewart has rewritten his narrative, transforming early career embarrassments into the relentless fire fueling the Detroit Pistons' formidable defense. Now, he's not just challenging shots—he's dominating the paint and making a compelling case for Defensive Player of the Year.
Key Defensive Insights from Isaiah Stewart
- Early career "poster dunks," notably by Paul George, ignited Stewart's passion for elite rim protection.
- He boasts 78 blocks through 40 games this season, ranking fifth in the league, alongside an NBA-best 43.0% defended field-goal percentage at the rim.
- Coaches and teammates like J.B. Bickerstaff and Cade Cunningham are calling Stewart the best defensive center in the league.
- Stewart is on a mission to secure the Defensive Player of the Year award, driven by a deep-seated fearlessness.
From Poster Fodder to Paint Protector
It’s hard to believe that a pivotal moment in Isaiah Stewart's defensive evolution was being posterized. During his rookie season in April 2021, Paul George threw down a monstrous one-handed dunk right over Stewart's outstretched arms. That moment, rather than discouraging him, lit a fire.
"I just remember moments like that, and how I felt. I was pissed," Stewart revealed. "I’m like, ‘Man, I’ve got to block that.’ It’s just like, ‘How can I block these? How can I turn (these dunk attempts) into my favor?’” This single play, and others like it, irrevocably shaped his mindset, turning past humiliations into a desire for defensive mastery.
Unpacking the Stats: Stewart's Defensive Dominance
Stewart's unwavering commitment has manifested in undeniable statistics. He has recorded 78 blocks in just 40 games this season, placing him among the league's top shot-blockers. His 2.0 blocks per game average is a career-high and positions him at 10th in Detroit's franchise history for blocks.
Perhaps even more impressively, Stewart leads the NBA with the lowest defended field-goal percentage at the rim (43.0%) for players with at least 30 games. His remarkable block percentage (4.1%) ranks in the 96th percentile for bigs, according to Cleaning the Glass. This elite performance earned him the Eastern Conference Defensive Player of the Month award in December.
The Mindset of a Mover: Fearless on Defense
Stewart's teammates and coach are unequivocal in their praise. Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff boldly declared, "He’s the best defensive center in the league, and it’s not close." Cade Cunningham, his longest-tenured teammate, went further: "I think he’s the best defensive player in the league. I would like to see him get a Defensive Player of the Year award, because I think he deserves it."
This confidence stems from Stewart's profound fearlessness. He views contesting at the rim like a fight. "You can’t be scared to get punched," he states. "So for me, it’s just like, OK, you got your dunk. You got your little punch in, but I’m still here and I’m not fading away. I’m going to be here and I’m going to challenge you every time. A lot of it is heart."
Mastering the Block: Stewart's Tactical Approach
Stewart's transformation is a testament to diligent study and tactical refinement. Since joining the Pistons as a first-round pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, he has meticulously compiled offensive and defensive notes, breaking down film to apply new habits.
Direct Confrontation: Patience is Key
When an opponent drives straight at him, Stewart's strategy is rooted in composure. "If (an offensive player) is coming directly at me, I’m patient," he explains. "I’m just sitting there waiting. I’m not jumpy. I’m able to slow myself down, have composure and breathe." This patience allows him to react precisely rather than commit prematurely.
Weak-Side Wizardry: Calculation and Quickness
Coming from the weak side, Stewart needs a different approach. "You have to have a quick second jump because you’ve got to be able to stop the ball coming this way," he notes. He constantly gauges if an opponent is genuinely attacking or trying to bait him into a foul. His 7-foot-5 wingspan also plays a crucial role, often deceiving opponents who underestimate his reach due to his 6-foot-8 height.
The Pistons' Defensive Cornerstone
Halfway through the season, Isaiah Stewart is the undisputed anchor of the Detroit Pistons' defense. His presence at the rim is so impactful that opponents sometimes choose not to shoot at all. "My presence right now is so big at the rim, that some guys don’t even want to take shots," he proudly asserts.
For Stewart, the goal is clear: "It is the goal," he says of the Defensive Player of the Year award. "I truly believe I am the best defender in the league... I may not always get the block. But I’m altering shots, I’m taping holes in our defense. So that’s my goal, that’s something I’m working toward." With his fearless spirit and refined technique, Isaiah Stewart is not just a shot-blocker; he's a defensive force destined for greatness.
