Isaiah Stewart has built his reputation with his physical, aggressive play, but that style has also landed him in plenty of trouble. Since joining the Detroit Pistons in 2020, he has instigated multiple heated altercations, resulting in fines, suspensions, and a reputation as one of the NBA’s most intense enforcers.
His most infamous moment came in November 2021 when LeBron James hit him in the face during a game against the Lakers. Furious, Stewart repeatedly tried to go after James, forcing teammates and security to hold him back. The NBA suspended LeBron for one game and gave Stewart a two-game suspension for his reaction.
By January 2023, Stewart found himself in the headlines again after briefly scuffling with Draymond Green. Later that year, he shoved Patrick Beverley to the ground during a game against the 76ers, drawing a flagrant-2 foul and an ejection.
The biggest incident of his career erupted on February 14, 2024. Before a game against the Suns, Stewart punched Drew Eubanks in the face, escalating a confrontation that began in the parking lot and spilled into the arena tunnels. Police arrested Stewart for assault but later released him. The NBA suspended him for three games, while the Suns called the attack “unprovoked.” Pistons head coach Monty Williams pushed back, insisting on more context.
Another Ejection And More Trouble For The Pistons
Isaiah Stewart’s aggressive streak showed up again in a game against the Pacers, where he elbowed Thomas Bryant in the chest without even trying to play the ball. He had already picked up a technical earlier, so after a flagrant-2 review, he was tossed from the game. Making things worse, he flashed a finger-gun gesture toward the Pacers’ bench, escalating tensions even further.
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However, the Pacers had the last laugh as they beat Detroit 133-119. The Pistons, stuck in a rebuild and desperate to turn things around, have to be wondering how much Stewart’s behavior is hurting their progress.
Despite all the drama, the Pistons clearly see value in Stewart, giving him a four-year, $60 million contract extension in 2023. The 6’8”, 250-pound center has spent his entire five-year career with Detroit, averaging 8.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game over 278 regular-season games. This season, he’s putting up 5.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists while shooting 52.2% from the field, 24.2% from deep, and 82.9% from the free-throw line.
For his career, Stewart has shot 50.0% from the field, 34.1% from three, and 73.6% from the line, with a true shooting percentage of 57.5%. His physicality is a major asset, but if he keeps getting into fights and picking up suspensions, the Pistons might have to ask if he’s worth the headache.
