Isaiah Stewart Reveals He Felt Unwanted During Pistons Tenure

After securing the top seed in the East with a 60-22 record, the Detroit Pistons positioned themselves as one of the league’s best teams last season. While the duo of Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren undoubtedly played a significant role, the contributions of players like Isaiah Stewart cannot be overlooked.

The Pistons were nothing short of impressive last season. While their development into a title-contending franchise is noteworthy, it is how the team has reached this point after one of their worst finishes (14-68) just two years ago that is far more meaningful.

The cumulative effort and commitment shown by the players were the driving force behind Detroit’s success last year. Unfortunately, even though he played a vital role as a defensive force off the bench, Isaiah Stewart revealed that he felt unappreciated in Detroit during an interview with Andscape.

“When things are out of your control, the only thing you can do is pray,” Stewart commented. “And I was in a situation where you will work so hard, and you have a goal, you are putting your all into something, and you’re not able to get a certain opportunity or reap that kind of reward.”

“You don’t know why, and it’ll make you question yourself, stress yourself out because of the passion and love you have for the game. We felt all we could do is just pray. Let the Lord figure it out, because He always works things out for us.”

Isaiah Stewart embraced the role of the enforcer for the Detroit Pistons, effectively donning an identity and brand that the team had not witnessed in decades.

The impact was significant, as Stewart would routinely strike fear in opponents while protecting his teammates, a passionate display of loyalty to the franchise. Unfortunately, the recurring physical altercations and suspensions also led to the 25-year-old developing a bad reputation.

After the Pistons were eliminated from the playoffs in the semifinals this year, the outlook for Isaiah Stewart, while grim, looked promising. After averaging 10.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game last season, the big man seemed primed to be a mainstay on Detroit’s roster. However, the situation took a drastic turn when the Pistons traded him to the Memphis Grizzlies for draft picks on the night of the NBA Draft.

Needless to say, Isaiah Stewart regretted that his time in Detroit was cut short, especially after all he had given the franchise. However, he still had a more optimistic outlook on the future, as he added:

“At first I was like, ‘Man, so first time I got traded in my career, and I’m in Memphis.’ New teammates, new guys in the system. My mind just started going that way. And I’m thankful because I’m somewhere where I’m really wanted. And the fanbase already respects and loves who I am. I’d rather be where I’m wanted than headed back into a situation where it’s not the best.”

Isaiah Stewart now finds himself on a Grizzlies team that is entering a rebuild. Despite this, the sheer depth of talent on the roster indicates the big man will have an opportunity to step up and be a key contributor in this project.

Meanwhile, the Pistons find themselves in a relatively less favorable situation. Aside from losing a few key players this offseason, Detroit is also struggling to bring back its star big man, Jalen Duren, in free agency. With virtually no updates on this situation, Stewart’s departure suddenly looks a lot more concerning for Detroit’s frontcourt depth.