Introduction

Isaiah Stewart burst onto the NBA scene in 2020 as a first-round draft pick for the Detroit Pistons. The 6’9″ centre immediately impacted with his physical style of play, fiery competitiveness, and relentless motor on both ends of the court. 

After an altercation with Lakers superstar LeBron James in 2021 brought Stewart into the national spotlight, intrigue and analysis of the young Detroit big man has ramped up. Questions have swirled about what makes him tick, how he fits into the Pistons’ rebuild, and what level of stardom his ceiling holds.

As Stewart continues his NBA journey, his development trajectory holds significant implications for the Pistons franchise and his long-term standing across the league’s landscape. Let’s explore critical topics to understand his past, present, and future.

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The LeBron James Altercation

During a November 21, 2021 game, Stewart was struck in the face by LeBron James while competing for a rebound. Replays showed LeBron’s hand made contact with Stewart’s face. Though LeBron claimed the contact was accidental, Stewart took exception.

What followed was a scuffle that saw Isaiah repeatedly charge toward LeBron in an attempt to confront him, needing to be held back by coaches and teammates. Stewart’s eye was bleeding, and he seemed to seethe with rage. He was ultimately ejected from the game.

The incident brought Isaiah criticism and praise in some circles for displaying unwavering competitiveness. It remains a seminal, if controversial, moment in his career.

Isaiah Stewart’s Age and Physical Profile

Born on May 22, 2001, Isaiah Stewart still entered the NBA as a teenager at 19 years old. Now 22, he has plenty of time to develop his talent and skill set before reaching his athletic prime years.

Stewart has an excellent frame for an NBA centre in terms of size. He stands 6-foot-9 and weighs 250 pounds with a 7’4″ wingspan. That wingspan allows him to play bigger than his height, excelling at blocking and contesting shots. He also has a solid 242-pound frame that will enable him to gain position down low.

Overall, Stewart possesses the physical attributes – height, length, strength – that coaches covet in a modern centre. As his body matures, those natural gifts will only become more impactful.

Stewart’s Position and Style of Play

Stewart’s position in the NBA is centre. He has the requisite size and strength to handle the middle as a rim protector and low-post presence. His wingspan also helps him accumulate blocks and rebounds at an impressive rate.

In terms of style of play, Isaiah can best be described as an energetic big man who operates predominantly around the basket. He plays relentlessly, continually fighting for a rebounding position and running the floor in transition. His bruising interior style also draws plenty of fouls. 

While not the most skilled offensive player yet, Stewart has shown flashes of increased scoring ability – including some touch from mid-range and around the basket. He is also willing to do the dirty work, like setting screens and making the extra pass. 

As Stewart works to expand his skill set, expect his high-motor rebounding, paint defence, and physical screening to remain staples of his game.

Injury and Durability Questions

Some scouts and analysts have questioned Stewart’s long-term injury outlook and durability throughout his basketball career. Standing just 6’9″, there is concern that his pounding while playing as an undersized NBA centre could take its toll over time.

However, Stewart has missed remarkably little time due to injury thus far. He has bounced back well from a fractured bone in his right hand during his rookie season. The fact he kept his reputation for intensity intact following the LeBron James altercation also demonstrates his resilience.  

If Stewart focuses on durability and conditioning while relying less on pure physicality as he matures, there is optimism he can enjoy sustained health. Limiting extremely aggressive paint battles with bigger opponents could prolong his career while still leveraging his strengths, like rebounding positioning and transition offence.

The Contract Situation in Detroit 

After being selected 16th overall in the 2020 draft, Isaiah Stewart signed a multi-year contract with the Pistons under the NBA’s rookie wage scale. He earned $3.6 million during his first two seasons in Detroit.  

In the future, the 2023-24 season will see Stewart enter the third year of his initial rookie deal. He will make approximately $4.7 million that season. 

Following the 2023-24 campaign, the Pistons must decide whether to exercise a team option for a fourth year, keeping Stewart in Detroit. If his development trajectory remains positive, the team will likely keep Isaiah a core piece of their rebuilding effort.

At that point, the two sides could negotiate a long-term contract extension. How much Detroit commits in an extension will depend on whether Stewart can take his game to even higher levels.

There is debate in NBA circles regarding Stewart’s ultimate ceiling. Can he demonstrate enough offensive versatility and skill development to become a focal point starter on a contending team? Or is he better suited as a high-end role player and fringe starter?

Most analysts see him realistically topping out as an elite rebounder and defender who makes winning plays but lacks go-to scoring punch. An ideal role could be following the model set by Ben Wallace in Detroit – dominating the glass and paint while not needing touches on offence.

If Stewart reaches his peak outcome, expect 13 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks per game while anchoring the Piston’s defence through physicality and effort.

Conclusion:

Heading into year three of his NBA career at 22 years old, Isaiah Stewart remains an enigma with untapped potential. His motor and physical tools are evident. Questions remain about precisely what ceiling that foundation can support.

If Stewart can develop a more well-rounded offensive game to balance out his energy rebounding and defensive impact, he could leap from a promising starter to one of the NBA’s better young men. 

For now, his fiery style and budding development position him as a tone-setting presence for the rebuilding Pistons. The coming years will unveil where Stewart’s two-way game and leadership can take him and Detroit.