Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart finds himself in a precarious position, with the fallout from the fracas being undecided. What could happen to the pivot?
Analyst Envisions Severe Punishment for Pistons C Isaiah Stewart
Stewart, along with fellow big man Jalen Duren, is trying to embrace the “Bad Boys” era of Pistons basketball. The duo relies on strength and toughness to excite their offense and protect their players.
On February 9, against the Hornets, the duo became entangled with Charlotte Hornets players Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabate. Stewart left the bench to track down, headlock, and punch Bridges. NBA analyst Bobby Marks envisions a severe punishment for Stewart.
NBA on ESPN posted the video with the caption, “I think Isaiah Stewart [will be suspended] 10 games. @BobbyMarks42 and @DGreen_14 share their thoughts on the Pistons-Hornets scuffle, causing four players to be ejected.”
“I think Isaiah Stewart, [will be suspended] 10 games.”@BobbyMarks42 and @DGreen_14 share their thoughts on the Pistons-Hornets scuffle causing four players to be ejected 🏀 pic.twitter.com/pJOBfElFqe
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 10, 2026
Since March 26, 2021, Stewart has been involved in multiple incidents that involved physicality. For example, on February 14, 2024, he was arrested for punching Phoenix Suns center Drew Eubanks outside the arena. He’s tried to manhandle LeBron James, placing Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid.
To this point, the NBA has suspended Stewart for a total of eight games. While his approach may have won over his teammates, the league probably doesn’t appreciate it. As a result, every subsequent incident will be subject to intense scrutiny from the league’s offense.
Traditionally, the NBA frowns upon players leaving the bench. In 1997, during the playoffs, a fight broke out between the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat. Center PJ Brown throws a point guard into the crowd in Game 5.
Starters Patrick Ewing, Allan Houston, and Larry Johnson left the bench. The league suspended the trio for Games 6 and 7. The Knicks ended up losing the series.
Fighting, once a larger part of the league’s style of play, has been minimized over the past few decades. The league could possibly be far more lenient with everyone except Stewart. His history will come into play as extensive video and testimony from referees and opponents will exacerbate the situation.
If Duren and Bridges receive three to five games, Stewart could receive at least twice that.
For the most part, Stewart’s absence may not hurt the Pistons. Of his 48 games played, he started just 13. However, he averages 10 points per game and provides interior defense. With All-Star Weekend a couple of days away, this could fall from the headlines.
At the same time, the league could want to make an example to curtail Stewart’s behavior during the remainder of the season and the playoffs. Detroit currently stands atop the Eastern Conference standings. What role will Stewart play down the stretch?
