Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart has evolved into one of the NBA’s most formidable defenders, anchoring the league’s second-ranked defensive unit while drawing direct comparisons to Hall of Famer Ben Wallace.
Among players with at least 150 attempts defended, Stewart leads the league allowing a 42.7% field goal percentage at the rim. He ranks eighth in blocks at 1.7 per game and contests 9.3 shots nightly, which is second among players 6-foot-10 or shorter.
“I’m the best defensive player in the league,” Stewart told ESPN.
Wallace, a four-time Defensive Player of the Year and central figure in Detroit’s 2004 championship, sees the parallels clearly. Both men are regarded as undersized big men who play above their listed heights with a fierce competitive edge.
“I definitely see it,” Wallace told ESPN. One source close to Wallace summarized their bond simply: “Ben looks at Stewart like a proud father.”
Stewart has faced adversity beyond the court. He has been suspended five times during his career, including a two-game ban following the well-documented 2021 confrontation with LeBron James.
“My second year in the league, seeing how people look at me differently, calling me certain [names] and labeling me. … That was a lot to get through at a young age,” Stewart said. “But I was able to weather that storm.”
Selected 16th overall in 2020, Stewart endured Detroit’s prolonged rebuilding period, including a league-record 28-game losing streak in 2023-24. His patience and development have paid off with the Pistons now holding the Eastern Conference’s top seed.
“I always knew once the wins came,” Stewart said, “that people were going to see I play a big part in it.”
Last season, Stewart was ineligible for All-Defensive Team consideration as he didn’t meet the games and minutes threshold.