Isaiah Stewart Emerges as Defensive Force, Drawing Ben Wallace Comparisons
Published: February 28, 2026
Pistons’ Stewart Declares Himself League’s Best Defender
Detroit Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart is confidently asserting his dominance on the defensive end, aiming to follow in the footsteps of Pistons legend Ben Wallace. Stewart believes his impact is finally being recognized as the Pistons discover success.
I am the best defender in the leagueIsaiah Stewart, via ESPN
I always knew that when the victories came, people would see that I played an important role in them.Isaiah Stewart, via ESPN
Statistical Dominance and League Leadership
Stewart currently leads the NBA in opponent shooting percentage, holding players to an average of 42.7% from the field. He ranks eighth in the league in blocks and contests over nine shots per game. The Pistons boast the second-best defense in the NBA, conceding just 108.5 points per 100 possessions.
Overcoming Past Perceptions
Stewart acknowledges that past disciplinary issues and suspensions may have negatively impacted public perception. He believes he has matured and is now focused on showcasing his defensive prowess.
During my second season, I saw how people looked at me differently. They called me names and put labels on me… It was a lot to handle at a young age, but I managed to weather that stormIsaiah Stewart, via ESPN
Ben Wallace Offers Support and Guidance
Pistons legend Ben Wallace has been providing mentorship to Stewart, recognizing similarities in their playing styles and defensive intensity.
I clearly see similaritiesBen Wallace, via ESPN
Since no one around him, or within the organization, is putting pressure on him to be the next Ben Wallace, he can now just relax and play basketball… But you can see the signs of why some are saying he could be the next Ben Wallace.Ben Wallace, via ESPN
Isaiah Stewart Career Statistics
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | LF | Off | Def | To | Pd | Fte | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | THE | 68 | 21:24 | 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 | THE | 71 | 25:35 | 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 | THE | 50 | 28:17 | 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 | THE | 46 | 30:56 | 48.7 | 38.3 | 75.3 | 1.6 | 5.0 | 6.6 | 1.6 | 2.2 | 0.4 | 1.4 | 0.8 | 10.9 |
| 2024-25 | THE | 72 | 19:55 | 55.9 | 32.1 | 75.9 | 1.8 | 3.7 | 5.5 | 1.7 | 2.5 | 0.4 | 0.9 | 1.4 | 6.0 |
| 2025-26 | THE | 48 | 23:15 | 54.0 | 32.1 | 76.0 | 1.6 | 3.5 | 5.1 | 1.1 | 3.0 | 0.3 | 1.2 | 1.7 | 10.0 |
Key: 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; To = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.