The emergence and good season of Jalen Duren in 2023/24 has changed the situation ofIsaiah Stewart. Installed in the pivot position since his arrival in Michigan, he was forced to shift to the strong winger position, where we shoot 3-points in progress, with his 38% success rate, allowing him to maintain a place of holder.
However, it is not his preferred position and, this season and with JB Bickerstaff on the bench, he wants to return to the pivot position.
“The coach likes my physical impact, that I play near the circle like during my first seasons, with my offensive rebounds,” says the Detroit player. “I spent a lot of time at position 5 during the offseason and I can't wait to get back in the paint. It's what I love to do, it's who I am. I had to work to play 4 and I did it because I was asked. I am happy now to be a pivot. »
If Isaiah Stewart's outside shooting makes him a useful option for the new Pistons coach, playing at position 4 bothers the main player in defense a little. “I’m not the main voice. We are not in charge when we are a strong winger in defense”he notes.
Play where you're going to ask him
Additionally, as he pointed out, playing further from the rim took him away from his impact on the offensive rebound, “one of the areas where he is one of the best”slips JB Bickerstaff. He therefore has everything to gain from returning to his first loves, but how to distribute the minutes between him, Jalen Duren and Paul Reed, who has just arrived?
Especially since, with Tobias Harris or Simone Fontecchio, the strong winger position is already provided. It is the coach who will have the answers. If his future is written at position 5, he will undoubtedly have to settle for a replacement place.
“I will do what is best for the team. I love being a pivot, frankly, and playing strong winger doesn't bother me, because I know how to do it. I can shoot 3-pointers, spread the game even if it's new to me.” explains Isaiah Stewart. “Last season was the first time I played in this position every time. It doesn't bother me, but I like contact, I like physical play. I like to set the tone, to create screens. I like being a pivot and I can be a strong winger: I can do both. »
| Isaiah Stewart II | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2020-21 | DET | 68 | 21 | 55.3 | 33.3 | 69.6 | 2.3 | 4.3 | 6.7 | 0.9 | 2.7 | 0.6 | 1.0 | 1.3 | 7.9 |
| 2021-22 | DET | 71 | 26 | 51.0 | 32.6 | 71.8 | 3.2 | 5.5 | 8.7 | 1.2 | 3.0 | 0.3 | 1.2 | 1.1 | 8.3 |
| 2022-23 | DET | 50 | 28 | 44.2 | 32.7 | 73.8 | 2.3 | 5.8 | 8.1 | 1.4 | 2.7 | 0.4 | 1.4 | 0.7 | 11.3 |
| 2023-24 | DET | 46 | 31 | 48.7 | 38.3 | 75.3 | 1.6 | 5.0 | 6.6 | 1.6 | 2.2 | 0.4 | 1.4 | 0.8 | 10.9 |
| Total | 235 | 26 | 49.8 | 34.8 | 72.7 | 2.4 | 5.1 | 7.6 | 1.2 | 2.7 | 0.4 | 1.2 | 1.0 | 9.3 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
