Isaiah Stewart

{{Infobox basketball biography

| name = Isaiah Stewart

| image = Isaiah Stewart 2022 (cropped).jpg

| image_size = 280px

| caption = Stewart with the Detroit Pistons in 2022

| position = Center

| height_ft = 6

| height_in = 8

| weight_lb = 250

| number = 28

| league = NBA

| team = Detroit Pistons

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|2001|5|22}}

| birth_place = Rochester, New York, U.S.

| high_school = * McQuaid Jesuit
(Brighton, New York)

La Lumiere School
(La Porte, Indiana)

| college = Washington (2019–2020)

| draft_year = 2020

| draft_round = 1

| draft_pick = 16

| draft_team = Portland Trail Blazers

| career_start = 2020

| years1 = {{nbay|2020|start}}–present

| team1 = Detroit Pistons

| highlights = * NBA All-Rookie Second Team ({{nbay|2020|end}})

First-team All-Pac-12 (2020)
Pac-12 All-Freshman Team (2020)
National high school player of the year (2019)
McDonald's All-American (2019)
Jordan Brand Classic (2019)

| medal_templates = {{MedalCountry|{{bk|USA}}}}

| team2 =

| years2 =

}}

Isaiah Stewart II (born May 22, 2001) is an American professional basketball player for the Detroit Pistons of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Washington Huskies. Listed at {{convert|6|ft|8|in|m|2}} and {{convert|250|lbs|kg|0}}, he plays the center and power forward positions.

Stewart attended McQuaid Jesuit High School in New York in his first two years of high school, after which he transferred to La Lumiere School, a prep school in Indiana. He was a consensus five-star recruit and was ranked among the top players in the 2019 class. Stewart earned McDonald's All-American honors and was named Mr. Basketball USA and Naismith Prep Player of the Year.

Early life

Stewart was born in Rochester, New York.{{cite web |title=Isaiah Stewart |url=https://www.usab.com/basketball/players/mens/s/stewart-isaiah.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021212141/https://www.usab.com/basketball/players/mens/s/stewart-isaiah.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 21, 2020 |publisher=USA Basketball |access-date=July 19, 2019 |date=May 23, 2019}} He grew up boxing and playing soccer.{{cite web |last1=Allen |first1=Percy |title=5-star recruit Isaiah Stewart is bringing a tenacious work ethic to UW. He can thank his dad for that. |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/uw-husky-basketball/im-a-different-dude-isaiah-stewart-is-bringing-more-than-just-dynamic-talent-to-washington/ |website=The Seattle Times |access-date=July 18, 2019 |date=May 17, 2019}} Starting in fifth grade, Stewart focused on basketball, which he was drawn to because of his size and athleticism.{{cite web |last1=Ditota |first1=Donna |title=Syracuse {{sic|baske|ball|hide=y}} recruiting target Isaiah Stewart talks trimming list, Duke, USA hoops |url=https://www.syracuse.com/orangebasketball/2018/05/syracuse_baskeball_recruiting_target_isaiah_stewart_talks_trimming_list_duke_dec.html |website=The Post-Standard |access-date=July 19, 2019 |date=May 29, 2018}} He played organized basketball for the first time at age 10, while attending elementary school in Rochester. At age 12, Stewart stood around {{convert|6|ft|0|in|m|2}}.{{cite web |last1=Johnson |first1=James |title=Meet McQuaid freshman sensation Isaiah Stewart |url=https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/sports/high-school/2016/01/30/meet-mcquaid-freshman-sensation-isaiah-stewart/79330630/ |website=Democrat and Chronicle |access-date=July 18, 2019 |date=January 31, 2016}}

High school

File:Isaiah Stewart (cropped).jpg in July 2018]]

Stewart attended McQuaid Jesuit High School in his first two years of high school. When he was 14 years old, as a freshman, he stood {{convert|6|ft|7|in|m|2}}. In his freshman season, Stewart averaged 18.5 points, 12.4 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game, recording two back-to-back 40-point games, and was named Rochester City Athletic Conference player of the year.{{cite web |last1=DiVeronica |first1=Jeff |title=McQuaid's Isaiah Stewart leaving for Indiana prep powerhouse |url=https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/sports/2017/08/20/mcquaids-isaiah-stewart-leaving-indiana-prep-power/584261001/ |website=Democrat and Chronicle |access-date=July 19, 2019 |date=August 20, 2017}} In October 2016, he broke his tailbone during United States national under-16 team tryouts and consequently missed most of his sophomore season.{{cite web |last1=Johnson |first1=James |title=McQuaid basketball star Isaiah Stewart out most of season |url=https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/sports/2016/10/13/mcquaid-basketball-star-stewart-out-most-season/92022290/ |website=Democrat and Chronicle |access-date=July 19, 2019 |date=October 13, 2016}} On February 2, 2017, Stewart returned to the court, posting 35 points, 14 rebounds, and six blocks in his season debut.{{cite web |last1=DiVeronica |first1=Jeff |title=Prep school? Isaiah Stewart staying put, father says |url=https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/sports/high-school/basketball/2017/02/02/prep-school-isaiah-stewart-staying-put-father-says/97417722/ |website=Democrat and Chronicle |access-date=July 19, 2019 |date=February 2, 2017}}

Entering his junior year, Stewart transferred to La Lumiere School, a prep school in La Porte, Indiana with a prestigious basketball program.{{cite web |title=Elite power forward Isaiah Stewart transferring to Super 25 champion La Lumiere |url=https://usatodayhss.com/2017/elite-power-forward-isaiah-stewart-transferring-to-super-25-champion-la-lumiere |website=USA Today High School Sports |access-date=July 19, 2019 |date=August 20, 2017}} In 19 games, he averaged 19.8 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game, leading his team to a 25–4 record. Stewart earned MaxPreps Junior All-American honorable mention recognition.{{cite web |last1=Divens |first1=Jordan |title=2017–18 MaxPreps Boys Basketball Junior All-American Team |url=https://www.maxpreps.com/news/hNi1UD2amUag_PSRxexoDw/2017-18-maxpreps-boys-basketball-junior-all-american-team-.htm |publisher=MaxPreps |access-date=July 19, 2019 |date=April 13, 2018}} In his senior season with La Lumiere, he averaged 18.1 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game, helping his team to a 30–1 record.{{cite web |last1=Inguaggiato |first1=Brodie |title=Isaiah Stewart named to USA Today 2019 All-USA High School Basketball First Team |url=https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/sports/high-school/2019/04/02/isaiah-stewart-boys-basketball-usa-today-all-usa-high-school-first-team/3343511002/ |website=Democrat and Chronicle |access-date=July 20, 2019 |date=April 2, 2019}} Stewart won the Naismith Prep Player of the Year and Mr. Basketball USA awards.{{cite web |last1=Flores |first1=Ronnie |title=All-Time Mr. Basketball USA Honorees |url=http://www.grassrootshoops.net/2019/05/all-time-mr-basketball-usa-honorees/ |publisher=Grassroots Hoops |access-date=July 20, 2019 |date=May 18, 2019}}{{cite web |title=Haley Jones and Isaiah Stewart Win 2019 Jersey Mike's Naismith Trophy for High School Player of the Year |url=http://naismithtrophy.com/haley-jones-and-isaiah-stewart-win-2019-jersey-mikes-naismith-trophy-for-high-school-player-of-the-year/ |publisher=Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award |access-date=July 20, 2019 |date=March 15, 2019}} He was named to the USA Today All-USA first team and MaxPreps All-American second team.{{cite web |last1=Divens |first1=Jordan |title=MaxPreps 2018–19 High School Boys Basketball All-American Team |url=https://www.maxpreps.com/news/mdbwDYCSa02E7-TpRc5Gmg/maxpreps-2018-19-high-school-boys-basketball-all-american-team.htm |publisher=MaxPreps |access-date=July 20, 2019 |date=April 11, 2019}} Stewart played in the McDonald's All-American Game,{{cite web |last1=Boone |first1=Kyle |title=2019 McDonald's All-American Game: Cole Anthony named MVP, UK signee Tyrese Maxey shows flashes |url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/2019-mcdonalds-all-american-game-cole-anthony-named-mvp-uk-signee-tyrese-maxey-shows-flashes/ |work=CBS Sports |access-date=July 20, 2019 |date=March 27, 2019}} Jordan Brand Classic,{{cite web |last1=Gordon |first1=Sam |title=Jordan Brand Classic all-star game features best prep players |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/basketball/jordan-brand-classic-all-star-game-features-best-prep-players-1645367/ |website=Las Vegas Review-Journal |access-date=July 20, 2019 |date=April 19, 2019}} and Nike Hoop Summit.{{cite web |last1=Blockus |first1=Gary R. |title=Isaiah Stewart Will Bring Workmanlike Mentality to Nike Hoop Summit |url=https://www.usab.com/news-events/news/2019/03/isaiah-stewart-feature.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331012850/https://www.usab.com/news-events/news/2019/03/isaiah-stewart-feature.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 31, 2019 |publisher=USA Basketball |access-date=July 20, 2019 |date=March 27, 2019}}

=Recruiting=

Stewart finished his high school career as a consensus five-star recruit and top-five player in the 2019 class.{{cite web |title=Isaiah Stewart, 2019 Center |url=https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/2019/isaiah-stewart-181917 |publisher=Rivals |access-date=July 20, 2019}}{{cite web |title=Isaiah Stewart |url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/224499/isaiah-stewart |publisher=ESPN |access-date=July 20, 2019}}{{cite web |title=Isaiah Stewart, La Lumiere School, Center (BK) |url=https://247sports.com/Player/Isaiah-Stewart-94244/high-school-179999/ |publisher=247Sports |access-date=July 20, 2019}} On January 21, 2019, he committed to playing college basketball for Washington. The other finalists to land him were Duke, Kentucky, Michigan State, and Syracuse. Stewart was drawn to Washington because of his longtime relationship with Mike Hopkins.{{cite web |last1=Borzello |first1=Jeff |title=Isaiah Stewart, ranked No. 5 in ESPN 100, picks Washington |url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/recruiting/basketball/mens/story/_/id/25812413/top-five-recruit-isaiah-stewart-announces-commitment-washington-huskies |publisher=ESPN |access-date=July 20, 2019 |date=January 21, 2019}} He knew Hopkins, a former Syracuse assistant coach, since his time playing for McQuaid Jesuit.{{cite web |last1=Nutter |first1=Gage |title=With Washington commitment, Isaiah Stewart wanted to be 'different' |url=https://www.masslive.com/hoophallclassic/2019/01/with-washington-commitment-isaiah-stewart-wanted-to-be-different.html |website=The Republican |access-date=July 20, 2019 |date=January 21, 2019}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Isaiah Stewart

| position = C

| hometown = Rochester, NY

| highschool = La Lumiere School (IN)

| feet = 6

| inches = 9

| weight = 245

| 40 =

| commitdate = January 20, 2019

| scout stars =

| rivals stars = 5

| 247 stars = 5

| espn stars = 5

| espn grade = 96

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit End

| 40 =

| year = 2019

| rivals ref title = Washington 2019 Basketball Commitments

| scout ref title =

| espn ref title = 2019 Washington Huskies Recruiting Class

| rivals school = washington

| scout s =

| espn schoolid = 264

| 247 overall = 4

| rivals overall = 2

| espn overall = 3

| access-date = January 29, 2019

| bball = yes

}}

College career

Heading into the season Stewart and teammate Jaden McDaniels were projected as potential top 3 picks for the 2020 NBA draft and possibly going first and second. In part to this, Washington also received a lot of hype. Stewart made his college debut for UW against the Baylor Bears in the 2019 Armed Forces Classic, recording 15 points and seven rebounds, including the game-winning basket in a 67–64 victory for Washington.{{cite news |title=Washington rallies, stuns No. 16 Baylor 67-64 in Alaska |url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=401169602 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111122537/https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=401169602 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 11, 2020 |access-date=November 11, 2019 |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |date=November 9, 2019}} At the conclusion of the regular season, Stewart was named to the All-Pac-12 first team and the Freshman Team.{{Cite web|url=https://pac-12.com/article/2020/03/08/2019-20-pac-12-mens-basketball-all-conference-awards-announced|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326010600/https://pac-12.com/article/2020/03/08/2019-20-pac-12-mens-basketball-all-conference-awards-announced|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 26, 2020|title=Pac-12 announces 2019-20 Men's Basketball annual major awards|date=March 9, 2020|website=pac-12.com|access-date=March 9, 2020}} Stewart posted 29 points and 12 rebounds against Arizona in the Pac-12 tournament. He averaged 17 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game as a freshman. On April 1, 2020, Stewart declared for the 2020 NBA draft, forgoing his remaining college eligibility.{{cite news |last1=Givony |first1=Jonathan |title=Washington freshman Isaiah Stewart headed to NBA draft |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28981843/washington-freshman-isaiah-stewart-headed-nba-draft |access-date=April 1, 2020 |work=ESPN |date=April 1, 2020}}

Professional career

=Detroit Pistons (2020–present)=

Stewart was drafted 16th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2020 NBA draft. On November 22, 2020, Stewart, Trevor Ariza, and a conditional future first-round pick were traded to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Robert Covington.{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/blazers/news/2020/11/22/blazers-acquire-robert-covington|title=TRAIL BLAZERS ACQUIRE ROBERT COVINGTON FROM HOUSTON|work=NBA.com|date=November 22, 2020}} On November 24, Stewart, Ariza, a future second round pick, and cash considerations were traded to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Christian Wood, a protected future first-round pick, and a second round pick in 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/detroit-pistons-complete-trade-houston|title=Detroit Pistons Complete Trade With Houston|work=NBA.com|date=November 24, 2020|access-date=November 24, 2020}} On December 1, the Pistons announced that they had signed Stewart to his rookie scale contract.{{cite web|title=Detroit Pistons Sign Rookies Killian Hayes, Isaiah Stewart, Saddiq Bey and Saben Lee|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/detroit-pistons-sign-rookies-killian-hayes-isaiah-stewart-saddiq-bey-and-saben-lee|date=December 1, 2020|website=NBA.com|access-date=December 1, 2020}} On March 26, 2021, Stewart was ejected from a game against the Brooklyn Nets with a flagrant-2 foul.{{Cite web |last=II |first=Omari Sankofa |title=Blake Griffin stands out in return as Detroit Pistons fall to Brooklyn Nets, 113-111 |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2021/03/26/detroit-pistons-score-brooklyn-nets-blake-griffin/7022162002/ |access-date=2025-03-31 |website=Detroit Free Press |language=en-US}}

On November 21, 2021, Stewart was ejected in the third quarter after repeatedly attempting to attack LeBron James during a 116–121 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.{{cite web |title=LeBron bloodies Stewart; both ejected after tussle |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/32685986/lebron-james-bloodies-detroit-pistons-isaiah-stewart-hit-face-ejected-ensuing-tussle |website=ESPN.com |access-date=November 22, 2021 |language=en |date=November 22, 2021}} James initially hit Stewart in the face while attempting to block him out during a free throw attempt, which led to a bloody-faced Stewart charging at James multiple times. Stewart had to be held back by game officials and players.{{Cite web|title=Lakers' LeBron James, Pistons' Isaiah Stewart ejected following fight|url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/lakers-lebron-james-pistons-isaiah-stewart-ejected-following-brawl|access-date=November 22, 2021|website=Fox News|date=November 21, 2021 }} The next day, it was announced that Stewart would be suspended for two games.{{cite web|title=LeBron James, Isaiah Stewart Suspended for Roles in Lakers-Pistons Altercation|url= https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10018816-lebron-james-isaiah-stewart-suspended-for-roles-in-lakers-pistons-altercation|website=BleacherReport.com |access-date=November 22, 2021|language=en|date=November 22, 2021}}

On March 9, 2023, the Pistons announced that Stewart was diagnosed with a left shoulder impingement and would be sidelined for at least three-to-four weeks.{{Cite web |title=James L. Edwards III on Twitter: "Looks like Isaiah Stewart may be done for the season, as well" |url=https://twitter.com/JLEdwardsIII/status/1633924184081326080 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Twitter}} On July 10, 2023, it was reported that Stewart had agreed to a 4-year, $64 million contract extension with the Pistons.{{Cite web |title=Pistons, Isaiah Stewart agree on 4-year, $64 million extension|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/37991798/pistons-isaiah-stewart-agree-4-year-64-million-extension}}

On December 23, 2023, Stewart was ejected from a game against the Philadelphia 76ers with a flagrant-2 foul against Patrick Beverley.{{Cite web |date=2023-12-14 |title=Pistons center Isaiah Stewart ejected for shoving 76ers’ Patrick Beverley to the ground in 21st straight loss |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/pistons-center-isaiah-stewart-ejected-for-shoving-76ers-patrick-beverley-to-the-ground-in-21st-straight-loss-031502745.html |access-date=2025-03-31 |website=Yahoo Sports |language=en-US}} On February 14, 2024, Stewart was arrested in Phoenix for assault after punching opponent Drew Eubanks in the parking lot of Footprint Center before a matchup against the Phoenix Suns. Stewart was issued a citation and released. The NBA suspended him for 3 games.{{Cite web |title=Drew Eubanks and Isaiah Stewart involved in altercation |url=https://www.nba.com/news/drew-eubanks-isaiah-stewart-altercation |access-date=2025-03-31 |website=NBA |language=en}}

On November 3, 2024, Stewart was assessed a flagrant 1 foul during a game against the Brooklyn Nets, and on November 13, Stewart was ejected with a flagrant 2 foul after grabbing Giannis Antetokounmpo out of the air by his jersey during a dunk attempt.{{Cite web |last=Owczarski |first=Jim |title=Pistons' Isaiah Stewart ejected for Flagrant 2 on Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo: 'Not a basketball play' |url=https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nba/bucks/2024/11/13/detroit-pistons-isaiah-stewart-ejected-for-flagrant-2-on-milwaukee-bucks-giannis-antetokounmpo/76266758007/ |access-date=2025-03-31 |website=Journal Sentinel |language=en-US}} On January 8, 2025, Stewart was assessed a flagrant 1 foul during another game against the Nets after elbowing Noah Clowney in the neck. On January 29, Stewart was ejected from a game against the Indiana Pacers with a flagrant 2 foul for shoving Thomas Bryant. He was automatically given a 1-game suspension for accruing his 6th flagrant foul point of the season, and he was also fined $50,000 for gestures he made after his ejection.{{Cite web |date=2025-01-31 |title=Detroit's Isaiah Stewart suspended and fined by NBA after flagrant-foul ejection in loss to Pacers |url=https://apnews.com/article/pistons-isaiah-stewart-suspension-7c0034c5a512b51b1394335b33560ae2 |access-date=2025-03-31 |website=AP News |language=en}} During a March 30 game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Stewart received a technical foul for shoving Donte DiVincenzo and then was ejected on the following play after putting Naz Reid in a chokehold.{{Cite web |date=2025-03-31 |title=7 ejected after skirmish between Pistons, Wolves |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44472040/5-players-2-coaches-ejected-pistons-wolves-skirmish |access-date=2025-03-31 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} He was suspended for 2 games "based in part on his repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts".{{Cite news |last=III |first=Amos Morale |last2=Krawczynski |first2=Jon |date=2025-04-01 |title=Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo, Isaiah Stewart, others suspended for Pistons-Wolves fight |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6247263/2025/04/01/nba-suspensions-pistons-timberwolves-fight/ |access-date=2025-04-02 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

National team career

Stewart played for the United States at the 2018 FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup in Argentina. In seven games, he averaged 11.1 points and 8.4 rebounds per game.{{cite web |title=Isaiah Stewart II |url=http://www.fiba.basketball/world/u17/2018/player/Isaiah-Stewart-II |publisher=FIBA |access-date=July 19, 2019}} In the finals, Stewart led all scorers with 15 points and nine rebounds in a 95–52 win over France to capture the gold medal.{{cite web |title=France v USA boxscore |url=http://www.fiba.basketball/world/u17/2018/game/0807/France-USA# |publisher=FIBA |access-date=July 19, 2019 |date=July 9, 2018}}