The need for more centers was one of the biggest areas the Memphis Grizzlies needed to address this offseason. So when they didn’t draft a center with either of their two first-round picks or their second-round selection, questions remained about the future of the position.
Those concerns were quieted when they acquired former Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart in a draft-night trade.
Stewart, 25, spent his first six seasons with the Pistons. He became a key voice in Detroit and played a role in the team’s transition from one of the NBA’s worst teams to a playoff contender.
Memphis is entering a new era — one that will be built on toughness and physicality. Stewart’s addition is a piece the Grizzlies hope will help signify that shift.
Detroit Free Press Pistons reporter Omari Sankofa II covered Stewart’s tenure in Detroit after previously spending time covering the Grizzlies.
“I think Memphians are going to love him,” Sankofa said. “Outside of Detroit, I think Memphis is one of the cities that will embrace him for everything that he is. Especially for a city that likes wrestling. He’s just the perfect wrestling heel type guy. That’s just who he is. The first time he gets mixed up with somebody, I know FedExForum is going to go crazy.”
Embracing the youth
Stewart is still young, but he’ll be one of the more experienced players on Memphis’ roster. He has played postseason basketball the past two seasons and endured multiple rebuilding years in Detroit.
Mike Curtis, who currently covers the Dallas Mavericks for The Dallas Morning News, covered Stewart during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons in Detroit. Those teams won 17 and 14 games, respectively, and endured a 28-game losing streak.
On paper, the Grizzlies appear further along in their rebuild than those Pistons teams. Stewart’s experience in those situations should help a young roster navigate the inevitable struggles that come with a rebuild.
“I think he’s a good mentor,” Curtis said. “You got a lot of young guys over there. I think he’ll be a good vet. He doesn’t have the most talent on the roster, but the wisdom that he’s coming into this new roster with will bode well for those young guys.”
After starting most of the prior three seasons, Stewart transitioned to a reserve role in 2024-25 as the Pistons improved from 14 wins to 44. His minutes declined, but his impact remained noticeable as Detroit transitioned into a winning team.
“For as long as I’ve known him, he’s been labeled the heart and soul of that team,” Curtis said. “Everybody knows Cade (Cunningham) is the best player, but the identity was rooted in what Isaiah Stewart brought to the table.”
A protector in multiple ways
Look at Stewart’s film and you’ll see him defending the rim and defending his teammates. Some call him an enforcer. Others call him a protector. Whatever the preferred term, that type of presence is something the Grizzlies need.
There are numerous examples of Stewart standing up for Cunningham and Jalen Duren when needed. His protection goes beyond holding players back or throwing an occasional punch. It is often a thankless job, but Stewart has embraced that role.
He also has graded out as one of the NBA’s better rim protectors in recent seasons. He posted a block percentage above 6.5% in each of the past two seasons, which would have been the highest on the Grizzlies’ roster.
Although Stewart is listed at 6-foot-8, he has a 7-4 wingspan.
“On the court he’s closer to a 6-10 or 6-11 because of his arms,” Sankofa said. “I think more than anything, it’s just his understanding of where to be and his timing. You’re probably not going to see a guy block more dunks than he will. He’s a guy that’s going to go after everything.”
Isaiah Stewart's offensive outlook
Screening and defense appear to be Stewart’s strengths. He’s more limited offensively, but that will be an important part of his role in Memphis.
Detroit experimented with playing him at power forward earlier in his career before he settled into a backup center role.
Stewart is a career 34.3% 3-point shooter and historically hasn’t been a strong finisher around the rim, but he’s coming off a season in which he shot a career-high 64.2% on 2-point field goals.
His offensive development could determine how much the Grizzlies can and will play Stewart behind Zach Edey.
“He’s got some touch inside and out,” Sankofa said. “That’s really a lot of it for him. He’ll have the occasional game where he might get hot or pop off for 20 points.”
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies may have found next enforcer in Isaiah Stewart