The Detroit Pistons are facing some significant questions regarding their frontcourt standout, Isaiah Stewart.
Not only has Stewart been battling an ankle injury, which has kept him sidelined for multiple weeks, but the veteran was also involved in an off-court altercation, which turned physical before the Pistons went into the All-Star break.
According to reports, Stewart and Phoenix Suns veteran Drew Eubanks exchanged words before the Detroit-based forward allegedly took a swing. The situation had to be broken up, and Stewart was eventually arrested and given a citation in Phoenix.
What’s Next for Stewart?
On Monday, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that Stewart will have a court date in Phoenix on February 23. He faces misdemeanor assault charges.
The outcome of Friday’s court date could have a major impact on Stewart’s playing status moving forward. Unsurprisingly, the NBA launched an investigation into the situation, and there could be significant consequences for Stewart.
The Pistons anticipated getting Stewart back in the mix following the All-Star break. After spending some time recovering from an ankle-related setback, Stewart was on pace to possibly be ramped up and ready to go for the Pistons’ February 22 matchup on the road against the Indiana Pacers. With an upcoming court date in place, it’s unclear if Stewart will be around for the matchup.
Shortly after reports of the incident surfaced, the Pistons put out an official statement:
“We are aware of the incident between Isaiah Stewart and Drew Eubanks prior to this evening’s game. We are in the process of gathering information about what happened and what provoked it, and responding to the NBA and local authorities.”
Pistons head coach Monty Williams addressed the situation, making it clear that he wouldn’t offer any of his thoughts until investigations got to the bottom of what happened.
“The thing for me is to get all of the information and make sure I’m clear on what happened,” Williams told reporters in Phoenix. “The NBA will do an investigation. I’ve talked to [Isaiah Stewart]. He shared with me what happened. Our people have talked to him, and they have information, but for me to come here and make a statement, that would be a bit irresponsible.”
For now, Stewart’s next steps are to get the situation handled in court. What the Pistons and the NBA will do next in terms of potential punishment will depend on how the investigations play out.
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