The Memphis Grizzlies may have found their next enforcer in Isaiah Stewart. After not drafting a center with either of their two first-round picks or their second-round selection, the Grizzlies acquired Stewart in a draft-night trade. Stewart, 25, spent his first six seasons with the Detroit 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. The Grizzlies are 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.
Embracing the Youth
Stewart is still young, but he'll be one of the more experienced players on the Grizzlies' 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.
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 Cade 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. The Grizzlies' recent form has been poor, with a 0W-0D-5L record in their last 5 games, including a 132-101 loss to the Houston Rockets on 2026-04-13. Fans can check the team's upcoming schedule on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page.
What Comes Next?
The Grizzlies' acquisition of Stewart is a step in the right direction, but there is still much work to be done. The team will need to continue to build around their young core, and Stewart will be a key piece in that process. As the Grizzlies look to the future, they can check their current [standings](/standings) and [stats](/stats) to see where they stand. With Stewart on board, the Grizzlies are hoping to turn their season around and make a push for the playoffs.
