Isaiah Stewart
Isaiah Stewart II, known as "Beef Stew," is an American professional basketball player who plays as a power forward and center for the Detroit Pistons of the National Basketball Association (NBA).[1] Born on May 22, 2001, in Rochester, New York, Stewart stands at 6 feet 8 inches (2.03 m) tall and weighs 250 pounds (113 kg).[2] A highly touted prospect, he earned the 2019 Jersey Mike's Naismith Trophy as the National High School Boys Basketball Player of the Year during his senior season at La Lumiere School in La Porte, Indiana, after transferring from McQuaid Jesuit High School in Rochester.[3] Stewart played one season of college basketball for the Washington Huskies in 2019–20, where he averaged 17.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game while shooting 57.0% from the field, earning First-team All-Pac-12 honors and a spot on the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team.[4] His standout performance included a 25-point, 19-rebound, and 5-block game against Oregon on January 18, 2020.[5] Selected 16th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2020 NBA draft before being traded to the Pistons on draft night, Stewart made an immediate impact as a rookie, appearing in 68 games (starting 37) and averaging 7.9 points and 6.7 rebounds, which earned him a selection to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2021.[6][7] In his professional career with the Pistons, Stewart has developed into a versatile big man known for his rebounding, shot-blocking, and physicality, posting career averages of 8.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks over 307 games through the 2024–25 season.[7] A notable moment came on November 21, 2021, during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers, when Stewart was inadvertently elbowed in the face by LeBron James, leading to a heated on-court altercation; both players were ejected, with Stewart requiring five stitches and receiving a two-game suspension while James was suspended for one game.[8][9] More recently, on November 3, 2025, Stewart achieved a career-high 26 points and 14 rebounds in a victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, showcasing his growing offensive contributions.[10]Early years
Early life
Isaiah Stewart was born on May 22, 2001, in Rochester, New York, as the youngest of seven siblings.[11][7][12] His father, Dela Stewart, immigrated from St. Mary, Jamaica, where he had worked as a fisherman, arriving in the United States in the late 1970s through a labor program in Florida before settling in Rochester.[13] There, Dela took on construction jobs for over a decade to support the family, raising Isaiah single-handedly after separating from his mother, Shameka Holloway, with whom Isaiah lived briefly as an infant before joining his father and older brother full-time.[13][14][15] The family's dynamics were shaped by Dela's Jamaican roots, which he passed down through stories of his homeland, cultural traditions like dancehall music, and emphasis on resilience and hard work amid financial struggles.[16][13] Shameka remained involved supportively from afar, contributing to a stable co-parenting environment that prioritized Isaiah's development.[14] Stewart's early exposure to basketball occurred in Rochester through local community programs, where family encouragement shifted his focus from soccer and boxing to the sport starting in the fifth grade.[17][15]High school career
Stewart attended McQuaid Jesuit High School in Rochester, New York, for his freshman and sophomore seasons, where he emerged as a standout player, averaging around 18.5 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game as a freshman to help the team to a 13–6 record, and 21.2 points and 14.2 rebounds as a sophomore en route to a 14–6 mark.[18][19] He then transferred to La Lumiere School in La Porte, Indiana, a nationally ranked prep program, for his junior and senior years. This move in 2017 was designed to elevate his competition level and accelerate his basketball development, supported by his family from his Rochester roots.[20][15] During his junior season in 2017–18, Stewart averaged 19.8 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game while starting all 29 games, helping La Lumiere compile a 25–4 record. His rebounding and shot-blocking ability stood out, as he frequently controlled the paint and disrupted opponents' offenses.[18] In his senior year of 2018–19, Stewart posted averages of 18.1 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game, leading La Lumiere to a dominant 30–1 record and a No. 1 national ranking. He earned prestigious honors, including the Naismith Prep Player of the Year award and McDonald's All-American selection, where he contributed 16 points in the game. Throughout high school, Stewart's physical maturation to 6 feet 9 inches with a 7-foot-4 wingspan refined his defensive skills, making him a premier rebounder and rim protector who anchored his team's interior defense.[3][21][22]Youth international career
During his junior year at La Lumiere School in Indiana, Isaiah Stewart was selected to represent the United States on the 2018 USA Basketball Men's U17 World Cup Team.[23] The selection came in June 2018, marking his first appearance with USA Basketball and placing him among the top American high school prospects for international competition.[24] The FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup took place in Santa Cruz, Argentina, from June 30 to July 8, 2018. Stewart played in all seven games for the U.S. team, averaging 11.1 points and a team-high 8.4 rebounds per contest while shooting 65.9 percent from the field.[18] His rebounding prowess helped control the paint, and he contributed efficiently on both ends, including 1.1 assists per game.[25] Stewart's efforts were instrumental in the United States achieving an undefeated 7-0 record and securing the gold medal, their fifth straight title in the event.[26] In the championship game against France, he led the team with 15 points and 9 rebounds in a dominant 95-52 victory.[26] He also delivered strong performances in earlier matchups, such as 11 points and 8 rebounds against Mali and key contributions against opponents like the Philippines and Australia, where his physical presence disrupted international frontcourts.[27] The tournament provided Stewart with crucial international exposure, pitting him against diverse playing styles from 16 nations and allowing him to refine his defensive instincts in high-stakes settings.[26] This experience highlighted his rim protection and rebounding tenacity, contributing to his growth as a versatile big man capable of impacting games globally.[27]Recruiting
Stewart was recognized as a consensus five-star recruit in the class of 2019, ranked No. 3 overall by ESPN in their final rankings, No. 4 by 247Sports, and No. 2 by Rivals.[28][29][30] He earned national high school player of the year honors, including selection to the MaxPreps All-America first team after averaging 18.1 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game for La Lumiere School.[31] Stewart was particularly praised for his rebounding prowess and post play, with 247Sports describing him as potentially the best overall rebounder in his class and ESPN highlighting his dominance as a 6-foot-9 center.[32][33] His standout performances at La Lumiere and with the USA U17 national team, where he averaged 11.1 points and 8.4 rebounds en route to a gold medal at the 2018 FIBA Under-17 World Cup, significantly elevated his recruiting profile.[18] Stewart received scholarship offers from numerous top programs, including Duke, Kentucky, Arizona, Syracuse, Michigan State, and Indiana.[34][35] On January 20, 2019, he committed to the University of Washington, becoming the highest-rated recruit in program history under head coach Mike Hopkins.[36] Several factors influenced Stewart's decision, including his longstanding relationship with Hopkins, who had recruited him as an assistant at Syracuse and built a personal bond over basketball and life discussions.[37][38] Stewart sought a program where he could serve as the immediate go-to interior presence and starting center, viewing Washington as an opportunity to stand out rather than blend into a powerhouse roster.[39] Additionally, the Pacific Northwest location appealed to him as a chance to forge a unique path away from traditional basketball hotbeds.[40]College career
2019–20 season
As a freshman at the University of Washington in the 2019–20 season, Isaiah Stewart started all 32 games for the Huskies, serving as the team's primary interior presence.[4] He averaged 17.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game, leading Washington in scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking while shooting 57.0% from the field.[4] Stewart's efficiency and physicality made him a focal point of the offense, often drawing double-teams and creating opportunities for teammates through his passing out of the post.[21] Stewart recorded 14 double-doubles during the season, showcasing his consistency as a rebounder and scorer.[21] One standout performance came on January 18, 2020, against then-No. 8 Oregon, where he tallied a career-high 25 points and 19 rebounds in an overtime loss, shooting 6-of-13 from the field and 12-of-15 from the free-throw line despite the team's defeat.[41][42] His rebounding prowess helped Washington control the boards in several contests, though the team struggled with overall balance. Stewart earned significant recognition for his defensive impact and overall play, including selection to the All-Pac-12 First Team and the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team.[43] His shot-blocking anchored the Huskies' frontcourt defense, contributing to several key stops in Pac-12 matchups.[4] The Huskies finished the season with a 15–17 overall record and 5–13 mark in Pac-12 play, placing 12th in the conference and missing postseason play.[44] The campaign was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the cancellation of conference tournaments and the NCAA Tournament.NBA draft decision
On April 1, 2020, following the conclusion of his freshman season at the University of Washington, Isaiah Stewart announced his decision to forgo his remaining college eligibility and declare for the 2020 NBA draft as a one-and-done prospect, while also signing with Roc Nation Sports as his agency.[45][46] His strong freshman performance, including averages of 17.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game, positioned him as a projected first-round pick.[45] Pre-draft scouting reports highlighted Stewart's high motor, physicality, rebounding prowess, and rim protection as key strengths, noting his ability to compete effectively despite being listed at 6 feet 8 inches tall with a 7-foot-4-inch wingspan.[47][48] Concerns were raised about his limited perimeter shooting—shooting just 29.5 percent from three-point range—and potential challenges guarding taller centers in the NBA due to his height.[49] Overall, evaluators viewed him as a versatile, energetic big man with defensive upside and room for offensive development.[47]Professional career
2020 NBA draft
The 2020 NBA draft was conducted virtually on November 18 at ESPN's studios in Bristol, Connecticut, as a precautionary measure amid the COVID-19 pandemic.[50] The Detroit Pistons, coming off a 20–46 record in the abbreviated 2019–20 season, acquired the No. 16 pick from the Houston Rockets in exchange for forward Trevor Ariza and a top-20 protected 2022 first-round pick.[51][52] With that selection, the Portland Trail Blazers announced Isaiah Stewart, a freshman center from Washington who had declared for the draft in April after forgoing further college eligibility.[50] Stewart's draft rights were immediately routed to the Pistons through a series of trades involving Houston, with no further transactions affecting the pick itself.[53] Scouting reports highlighted Stewart's appeal as a high-energy big man known for his relentless motor and physicality, projecting him as a versatile defender capable of anchoring a frontcourt with rebounding prowess and shot-blocking ability.[49] The Pistons saw Stewart as an ideal fit for their rebuilding roster, valuing his defensive intensity and potential to serve as a rim protector and energy provider off the bench in a young lineup seeking toughness.[54] Following the draft-night maneuvers, Stewart signed his rookie-scale contract with Detroit on November 30, a four-year deal worth approximately $15.1 million.[55]Detroit Pistons tenure
Isaiah Stewart was selected by the Detroit Pistons with the 16th overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft out of Washington.[7] In his rookie season of 2020–21, Stewart appeared in 68 games off the bench, starting 14 contests late in the year, and averaged 7.9 points and 6.7 rebounds per game while shooting 55.3% from the field.[56] His physical presence and rebounding ability quickly earned him minutes as a backup big man during the Pistons' rebuilding phase. A notable incident occurred on November 21, 2021, during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers, when Stewart was inadvertently struck in the face by LeBron James' elbow, sparking an on-court altercation that resulted in ejections for both players and a two-game suspension for Stewart.[57] By the 2021–22 season, Stewart transitioned into a full-time starter, playing all 71 games at center and averaging 8.3 points and 8.7 rebounds in 25.6 minutes per game.[7] His development continued in 2022–23, where he posted career highs of 11.3 points and 8.1 rebounds across 50 games (47 starts), despite missing time due to injury, showcasing improved scoring efficiency around the rim and defensive versatility.[7] In July 2023, the Pistons secured Stewart's future by signing him to a four-year rookie extension worth $64 million, recognizing his growth as a foundational piece in the team's young core.[58] Stewart's role expanded further in the 2023–24 season, starting 45 of 46 games and achieving a career-best 38.3% three-point shooting on 3.8 attempts per game, adding a new dimension to his game as a stretch big while averaging 10.9 points and 6.6 rebounds in 30.9 minutes.[17][7] Entering the 2024–25 season, he shifted to a more bench-oriented role amid roster changes, appearing in 72 games with only 4 starts and reduced minutes of 19.9 per game.[7] In the 2025–26 season, as of November 16, 2025, Stewart has appeared in 10 games (3 starts), averaging 11.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks in 23.0 minutes per game. On November 3, 2025, he recorded a career-high 26 points and 14 rebounds in a victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. He sustained a left ankle sprain on November 7, 2025, against the Brooklyn Nets, which forced him out for the remainder of that game, but he returned to action on November 14 versus the Philadelphia 76ers.[59][60] Throughout his Pistons tenure, Stewart has been integral to the franchise's rebuild, providing stout interior defense with a career average of 1.0 blocks per game and fostering chemistry with emerging stars like point guard Cade Cunningham, whom he has credited for elevating the team's offensive flow.[61] His toughness and rebounding have anchored the frontcourt alongside players like Jalen Duren, contributing to Detroit's gradual improvement from lottery-bound seasons toward playoff contention.[62]Career statistics
NBA regular season
Isaiah Stewart made his NBA regular season debut with the Detroit Pistons in the 2020–21 season, appearing in 68 games (14 starts) and averaging 21.4 minutes per game while showcasing his defensive prowess with 1.3 blocks per game.[7] His scoring and rebounding totals increased in subsequent seasons as he transitioned to a starting role, peaking in minutes played during the 2023–24 season at 30.9 per game.[1] By the 2024–25 season, Stewart returned to a bench role, averaging 19.9 minutes, before seeing increased usage early in the ongoing 2025–26 campaign.[7] Stewart's offensive efficiency has been a hallmark of his game, with a career field goal percentage of .514 through five full seasons and the start of his sixth. He has demonstrated steady improvement in playmaking, raising his assists per game from 0.9 as a rookie to 1.7 in 2024–25, while maintaining strong rebounding and rim protection.[7] The following table summarizes Stewart's regular season per-game averages by season:| Season | GP | GS | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | BPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020–21 | 68 | 14 | 21.4 | 7.9 | 6.7 | 0.9 | 1.3 | .553 | .333 | .696 |
| 2021–22 | 71 | 71 | 25.6 | 8.3 | 8.7 | 1.2 | 1.1 | .510 | .326 | .718 |
| 2022–23 | 50 | 47 | 28.3 | 11.3 | 8.1 | 1.4 | 0.7 | .442 | .327 | .738 |
| 2023–24 | 46 | 45 | 30.9 | 10.9 | 6.6 | 1.6 | 0.8 | .487 | .383 | .753 |
| 2024–25 | 72 | 4 | 19.9 | 6.0 | 5.5 | 1.7 | 1.4 | .559 | .321 | .759 |
| 2025–26* | 10 | 3 | 23.0 | 11.0 | 6.7 | 1.5 | 1.9 | .494 | .387 | .667 |
| Career | 317 | 184 | 24.4 | 8.6 | 7.2 | 1.3 | 1.1 | .514 | .351 | .737 |
NBA playoffs
Stewart made his NBA playoff debut in the 2025 first round as a reserve for the Detroit Pistons against the New York Knicks.[63] Playing off the bench to provide energy, physicality, and defensive presence in the frontcourt, his postseason role was cut short by a right knee inflammation injury sustained in Game 1, causing him to miss the remaining five games of the series.[64] The Pistons fell to the Knicks in six games, 4-2, ending their playoff run without advancing further.[63] In his sole playoff appearance on April 19, 2025, Stewart logged 19 minutes, scoring 2 points on 1-of-2 shooting while grabbing 5 rebounds, 1 assist, and recording 2 blocks, contributing to Detroit's defensive efforts in a 112-98 loss.[65] His rebounding and shot-blocking in that elimination-avoiding context highlighted his value as a hustle player, though the injury prevented deeper contributions. As of November 2025, Stewart has no additional playoff experience beyond this limited outing.[66]Playoff Statistics
| Series | Team | Opponent | Games | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 First Round | DET | NYK | 1 | 19.0 | 2.0 | 5.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 2.0 | .500 |
College
Isaiah Stewart played one season of college basketball for the Washington Huskies during the 2019–20 season, appearing in all 32 games and starting each one. He averaged 17.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, 0.8 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game while shooting 57.0% from the field, 25.0% from three-point range, and 77.4% from the free-throw line.[4][17] Stewart recorded 14 double-doubles over the course of the season, with his highest scoring output of 29 points coming in a Pac-12 tournament game against Arizona, where he also grabbed 12 rebounds.[21] In Pac-12 play, Stewart led the conference in total rebounds with 281, free throws made with 154, and two-point field goals with 187, underscoring his dominance as a freshman big man.[17]| Statistic | Per Game Average | Season Total |
|---|---|---|
| Games Played/Started | 32/32 | - |
| Minutes | 32.2 | 1,030 |
| Points | 17.0 | 544 |
| Rebounds | 8.8 | 281 |
| Assists | 0.8 | 26 |
| Blocks | 2.1 | 67 |
| Field Goal % | 57.0% | 192-337 |
| 3-Point % | 25.0% | 3-12 |
| Free Throw % | 77.4% | 154-199 |
| Double-Doubles | - | 14 |