With two preseason games remaining, Isaiah Stewart is once again proving his value to the Detroit Pistons. Fans and media outside Detroit may take issue with his physical style of play, but it’s a style that the city embraces. Coming into this season, Stewart aimed to expand his offensive impact—and early signs suggest he’s doing just that.
Last season, under J.B. Bickerstaff, Stewart was encouraged to focus on dominating inside. That approach differed from the previous two years, when he averaged 6.5 three-point attempts per game and shot 35% from beyond the arc. As Bickerstaff’s offense continues to take shape, Stewart could again be asked to stretch defenses and space the floor.
As the regular season approaches, the question becomes: can Stewart rediscover his three-point rhythm without losing the physical edge that defines his game? Let’s dive in.
Isaiah Stewart Should Expand Value as a Shooter Again
Isaiah Stewart’s Value Grows with His Shooting Ability
The value of Stewart returning to a more perimeter-oriented role shouldn’t surprise anyone. During the 2023-24 season, he shot 38.3% from three-point range on 5.9 attempts per game. For a Pistons team without an actual stretch big, Stewart becoming a stretch five could open several new offensive options.
The Blueprint of Pistons Basketball
Stewart’s game continues to evolve, but his mentality remains unchanged. He embodies what Pistons basketball stands for — grit, toughness, and a willingness to do the dirty work. As the Pistons enter a season where the expectations are high, Stewart’s balance of finesse and power could become the blueprint for how this young team competes every night.
Finesse vs. Power
The famous Gatorade slogan asks, “Is it in you?” It’s more than a marketing line — it’s a challenge. It questions whether a player has the drive, toughness, and inner fire to push through fatigue, adversity, and pressure. It’s not just about physical ability; it’s about heart, resilience, and competitive spirit. For Stewart, that answer has always been yes. He plays with physicality and an enforcer mentality ingrained in every part of his game.
Since joining the Pistons, Stewart has adjusted to every role placed before him — and done so without losing what made him special. He blends skill and strength, whether banging inside or stretching the floor. If the coaching staff calls on him to space the floor again this season, expect him to do it while maintaining the same bruising presence that defines Pistons basketball.
The Last Word
Isaiah Stewart continues to evolve, proving that his value is far beyond the physicality of his game. His potential as a three-point shooter adds another layer to the Detroit Pistons’ offense, giving them a frontcourt player who can both space the floor and enforce inside. Stewart blends power and finesse, making him one of Detroit’s most versatile and reliable big men.
What truly separates Stewart is his professionalism. No matter the role or system, he adjusts without complaint and performs with the same intensity every night. Whether he’s asked to stretch the defense, anchor the paint, or bring energy as a starter, Stewart embraces it with purpose. In a league defined by change, his consistency and team-first mindset stand out. He doesn’t just adapt to Pistons basketball — he defines what it means to embody it.
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