Isaiah Stewart

Stewart is an American center who has established himself as one of the most physical and relentless interior players in the NBA since being selected in the first round of the 2020 draft. Known as Beef Stew, he brings elite toughness, rebounding, and defensive intensity.

Born Isaiah Stewart II on May 22, 2001, in Rochester, New York, he attended McQuaid Jesuit High School before transferring to La Lumiere School, a prep school in Indiana. As a senior, he was named Naismith Prep Player of the Year, a McDonald's All-American, and Morgan Wootten National Player of the Year. He committed to Washington over Kentucky, Michigan State, and Syracuse.

At Washington, Stewart averaged 17.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game as a freshman. He was named to the All-Pac-12 first team and declared for the 2020 NBA draft.

The Portland Trail Blazers selected Stewart 16th overall in the 2020 NBA draft and traded him to the Detroit Pistons. He made an immediate impact as a rookie with his physicality and energy. He has established himself as Detroit's starting center, providing rim protection, rebounding, and a hard-nosed defensive presence.

Stewart functions as a traditional, physical center with elite rebounding, shot-blocking timing, and interior finishing. His Washington tenure showcased a player who could dominate physically at the collegiate level. In the NBA, his value centers on rim protection, defensive toughness, setting hard screens, and providing interior presence for a rebuilding Detroit team.