Pistons' Isaiah Stewart Valued for Toughness, Defense

NBA teams covet the 24-year-old big man's enforcer role and elite defensive skills.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Isaiah Stewart, the Detroit Pistons' 24-year-old center, has built a reputation in the NBA as a fiercely tough and sometimes controversial player. While his physical confrontations often draw attention, basketball analysts emphasize that every NBA team would welcome Stewart's presence on their roster due to his toughness, willingness to protect teammates, and elite defensive skills.

Why it matters

In a league that increasingly favors finesse, Stewart's combination of grit, defensive ability, and team-first mentality provides the Pistons with a valuable edge. His role as an enforcer and protector is rare and highly valued by teammates, even if it sometimes alienates opposing fans and players.

The details

Stewart's most recent suspension followed a physical altercation involving Miles Bridges and the Charlotte Hornets. Though not the originator of the incident, Stewart joined the fray to back up his teammate Jalen Duren, sparking a chaotic moment. Basketball Index data places Stewart in the 92nd percentile or higher across multiple defensive categories, including rim protection, rim disruption, and help defense. He also ranks well in post defense and screener defense, showing versatility.

  • Isaiah Stewart, the Detroit Pistons' 24-year-old big man, has built a reputation in the NBA as a fiercely tough and sometimes controversial player.
  • Stewart's most recent suspension followed a physical altercation involving Miles Bridges and the Charlotte Hornets on February 13, 2026.

The players

Isaiah Stewart

A 24-year-old center for the Detroit Pistons, known for his toughness, defensive skills, and willingness to protect his teammates.

Jalen Duren

Stewart's teammate on the Detroit Pistons.

Miles Bridges

A player for the Charlotte Hornets involved in the physical altercation with Stewart.

Sam Vecenie

A basketball analyst who highlighted the value of having a player like Stewart on an NBA roster.

Bryce Simon

A basketball analyst who emphasized the importance of having a teammate willing to stand up for others, as Stewart has demonstrated.

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What they’re saying

“There are 30 teams in the league that would love to have Isaiah Stewart on their team.”

— Sam Vecenie, Basketball Analyst (Game Theory Podcast)

“And a whole bunch of teammates that would love to have a teammate protect them the way Stewart does.”

— Bryce Simon, Basketball Analyst (Game Theory Podcast)

What’s next

The NBA will likely review Stewart's suspension and determine if any further disciplinary action is warranted.

The takeaway

Isaiah Stewart's combination of toughness, defensive prowess, and team-first mentality make him a valuable asset in the modern NBA, even if his confrontational style sometimes draws criticism. His willingness to protect his teammates is a rare and highly sought-after trait that could benefit many teams across the league.