The Detroit Pistons’ young players have been making waves, and one player who continues to receive praise for his defensive skill is Isaiah Stewart. Stewart’s rugged style of play has made him a crucial member of the Pistons’ defense, and the organization has been vocal about his potential for Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) nominations.
Isaiah Stewart’s defensive abilities, especially his rim protection, are not taken for granted by teammates like Ausar Thompson, and the front office or fans are not the only ones seeing his impact.
While speaking to Grant Afseth, Thompson did not hesitate to ask about Stewart’s defensive abilities. The young guard praised Stewart’s role as one of the league’s most dominant defenders.
“Yeah, 1,000%,” Thompson said when asked if Stewart should at least receive an All-Defensive Team nod. “I don’t see people scoring on him too often at the basket.”
Isaiah Stewart: A Fearless Rim Protector
Thompson’s statement illuminates Stewart’s exceptional defense, especially around the rim. Stewart’s unwavering style has made him one of the league’s top rim protectors.
“Maybe because his name isn’t big enough, people don’t talk about him as much,” Thompson continued. “They like to talk about when he gets into it, but people don’t know — he’s getting into it because he’s getting the other person frustrated.”
While the media tends to concentrate on the more well-known players, such as Draymond Green and Evan Mobley, opponents have always felt Stewart’s defensive impact, which Thompson acknowledges.
He is formidable in the league thanks to his physicality in the paint and ability to guard multiple positions. What stands out most is his ability to frustrate opposing players. Stewart has a reputation for being fiercely competitive and refusing to back down from anyone on the court.
“He’s scared of no one,” Thompson said, highlighting Stewart’s mental toughness, which is crucial for his defensive success. Stewart’s resiliency has made him one of the most reliable defenders in the league. Whether he’s preventing shots or changing them, he’s always around the basket, making it difficult for opponents.
The Case For Stewart As The Best Rim Protector In The League
Thompson was so confident in Stewart’s defensive abilities that he said, “I think he’s the best rim protector in the league.”
The bold statement reflects the trust and respect Stewart has earned from his teammates. While there are other notable rim protectors throughout the NBA, Stewart’s combination of size, strength, and timing has made him one of the most feared defenders in the paint. Thompson emphasized that point by recalling instances where opposing players tried to dunk on Stewart, only to be denied.
“Especially if you try to dunk,” Thompson quipped. “You might as well just take a floater or a layup, just throw it up on the glass. You’re not dunking. There’s been two times that’s happened, for sure.”
Stewart’s capacity to hold his ground against some of the top finishers is crucial for any team looking to enhance its defense. His basketball IQ complements his shot-blocking abilities, enabling him to make timely plays and effectively read the opposition’s movements.
The Need For More Recognition: All-Defensive Team And DPOY Consideration
Stewart’s role on the team is not just a defensive anchor but a game-changer as the Pistons continue to develop their young core. Despite his exceptional defense, Stewart is absent in conversations about individual accolades such as the All-Defensive Team or the Defensive Player of the Year race. Thompson’s remarks highlight the need for Stewart’s contributions to be more recognized.
Although Rudy Gobert, Draymond Green, and Jaren Jackson Jr. often dominate DPOY discussions, Stewart’s performances suggest he is worthy of being included. His fearlessness and consistent ability to shut down opponents around the basket make him stand out among his peers.
A Bright Future Ahead for Stewart And The Pistons
The Pistons’ rebuilding phase naturally focuses on developing their young players, including Stewart. Stewart’s leadership on defense will be a key part of the team’s identity as they continue to grow.
His ability to dominate the paint, disrupt plays, and instill fear in opposing offenses greatly enhances the team’s long-term success. Despite being distant from the Defensive Player of the Year award, Stewart still can be recognized on the All-Defensive Team.
Isaiah Stewart’s name will become more prominent in conversations about the NBA’s elite defenders as the Pistons continue to rise in the Eastern Conference. Thompson and the Pistons will continue to back their teammate, acknowledging that Isaiah Stewart’s defensive impact should not go unnoticed.
Whether Stewart wins an award or not, he is already one of the top defensive players in the NBA, and his name will be prominent for years to come.
