Detroit Pistons' Rookie Embraces 'Bad Boy' Mentality

Isaiah Stewart draws inspiration from franchise's physical, gritty past

Apr. 20, 2026 at 1:54am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented, overlapping shapes and planes in navy, green, and burgundy, representing the physical, intense style of play embodied by the Detroit Pistons' iconic 'Bad Boys' teams.Young Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart is embracing the franchise's gritty, defensive-minded identity as he looks to lead the team's return to past glory.Today in Detroit

During his rookie season with the Detroit Pistons, Isaiah Stewart has been watching documentaries on the team's iconic 'Bad Boys' and 'Goin' To Work' eras to learn about the franchise's physical, gritty playing style that led to past success. Stewart aims to embody that same mentality as he looks to help revive the Pistons.

Why it matters

The Pistons' 'Bad Boys' teams of the late 1980s and early 1990s were known for their tough, physical brand of basketball that helped the franchise win two NBA championships. As the Pistons look to return to relevance, Stewart's embrace of that legacy could be a key part of the team's identity and on-court approach.

The details

Stewart, a 20-year-old power forward, has been studying the Pistons' past championship teams to learn how their physical, aggressive style of play led to success. He hopes to channel that same mentality as he looks to establish himself as a key part of the Pistons' young core.

  • During his rookie season with the Pistons in 2026

The players

Isaiah Stewart

A 20-year-old power forward for the Detroit Pistons who is embracing the franchise's 'Bad Boys' legacy.

Detroit Pistons

An NBA franchise known for its physical, gritty playing style that led to championship success in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

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What they’re saying

“They were physical, they were nasty, they were dogs.”

— Isaiah Stewart, Pistons Power Forward

The takeaway

Stewart's embrace of the Pistons' 'Bad Boys' legacy could help define the team's identity as it looks to return to relevance, with the young power forward aiming to bring that same physical, gritty style of play that fueled past championship runs.