Pistons' Cade Cunningham Backs Suspended Teammate Isaiah Stewart

Cunningham says he would help pay Stewart's fines after the Pistons center was suspended for 7 games following an on-court altercation.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham is standing by his teammate Isaiah Stewart, who was suspended for 7 games after an on-court fight with the Charlotte Hornets. Cunningham said he would be willing to help pay Stewart's fines, calling him 'the best teammate you could ask for' despite the costly suspension.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the intense rivalries and competitive nature of the NBA, where emotions can sometimes boil over. Cunningham's support for his teammate despite the suspension shows the strong bonds between players on a team.

The details

During a chippy game between the Pistons and Hornets, a play escalated into an on-court altercation that resulted in 4 players being ejected. The NBA later announced that Stewart would be suspended for 7 games for leaving the bench area, aggressively entering the altercation, and fighting. The suspension will cost Stewart over $700,000 in lost wages.

  • The incident occurred before the NBA All-Star break.
  • Stewart was suspended for 7 games following the altercation.

The players

Cade Cunningham

A star player for the Detroit Pistons who is known for his strong support of his teammates.

Isaiah Stewart

A backup center for the Detroit Pistons who was suspended for 7 games following an on-court altercation with the Charlotte Hornets.

Charlotte Hornets

The Pistons' opponent in the game where the on-court altercation occurred.

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What they’re saying

“I would. That's my brother, man. He's just the ultimate competitor. He's somebody that's going to have your back like nobody else. I mean, it's costly, but he's the man. I wouldn't trade him for the world. He's the best teammate you could ask for. I'll help him out a little bit. I mean, it's not even helping him out. He has the money for it, but it's just paying for that love and that loyalty that he brings every day. I feel that. I'm going to holler at him about that.”

— Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons Guard (Newsweek)

What’s next

The Pistons will have to continue playing without Stewart for the next 7 games as he serves his suspension.

The takeaway

Cade Cunningham's willingness to support his teammate Isaiah Stewart despite the costly suspension highlights the strong bonds between players on an NBA team, even when emotions boil over on the court.