From College Star to Pistons Staple
Isaiah Stewart burst onto the scene at Washington, averaging double-doubles with 17.7 points and 8.7 rebounds as a freshman. He earned All-Pac-12 First Team honors and led the conference in two-pointers made and total rebounds, showcasing elite shot-blocking at 2.1 per game.
Drafted by Portland and traded to Detroit, Stewart adapted quickly, becoming a key rotation player. Over 332 career games with the Pistons, he's averaged 8.7 points and 7.0 rebounds, building a reputation as a tough, physical big man[4].
His growth into a starter reflects Detroit's youth movement, pairing grit with improving three-point shooting at 33.9% this season[3].
Dominant 2025-26 Stats Breakdown
Stewart's splits reveal matchup versatility: 12.0 points and 8.0 rebounds against Atlanta over three games, 26 points and 14 rebounds in a Memphis thriller, and consistent blocks like five versus Atlanta. He's notched five games with 4+ blocks, averaging 2.0 overall in 22.5 minutes[1][3].
Season averages include 10.3 points (53.3% FG), 6.2 rebounds, and elite defensive metrics like 24.9 fantasy points per game. His true shooting at 62.8% underscores efficiency[2][3].
With the Pistons at .786 winning percentage, Stewart's impact shines in wins over Dallas and Milwaukee, where he posted double-digit scoring[1].
Trade Buzz and Defensive MVP Push
As Pistons coach and stars rave, Stewart started 11 of his last 19 games, averaging 11.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks. Recent extended minutes alongside Jalen Duren signal a closing role[3].
Tobias Harris' scoreless outings open doors for Stewart, with his expiring contract fueling trade deadline speculation. This could cement Stewart as Detroit's long-term frontcourt anchor.
At 24, his trajectory points to All-Defense honors and beyond, driving the Pistons' surprising East dominance on December 23, 2025[2][3].