RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesThe Memphis Grizzlies may not be a playoff team next year, but they'll have plenty of opportunities for the players on their roster. Perhaps nobody stands to benefit as much as big man Isaiah Stewart.
Stewart has spent his entire career to date with the Detroit Pistons, who traded him to Memphis for three future second-round picks on the second night of the draft, per ESPN's Shams Charania. During that time, he's developed a reputation as one of the best defensive big men in the NBA. Stewart is an extremely valuable role player.
Could he expand that role in Memphis?
Grizzlies Can Give Stewart Ample Opportunities
It's unlikely that Stewart's usage will change.
He is, as they say, who he is. Stewart isn't a ball-handler. He lacks scoring chops. Most of his value comes on the defensive end, and as a career 34.3% 3-point shooter, he offers some floor spacing as well.
Who knows? Stewart could prove that entire theory wrong. He'll certainly have more room to explore his game in Memphis than he's had in Detroit. Yet, even if he doesn't improve one iota, there's one crucial stat he's likely to see increase.
Minutes per game.
Stewart won't be earmarked for a starting job. The Grizzlies are likely to trot center Zach Edey and forward Cameron Boozer out at the 5 and 4 when the opening buzzer sounds.
But rest assured, Stewart will be next off the bench.
Sure, that's been his lot for a while in the NBA. Stewart has been Jalen Duren's primary backup. Yet, there's a big difference between Duren and Edey. Duren has mostly been an ironman throughout his NBA career.
Edey, to put it politely, has not. He played 11 games last season and has averaged 22.1 minutes across 66 career appearances.
Hopefully, that will change in 2026-27. The Grizzlies will be crossing their fingers for Edey's good health, but they'll have to do more than that. Realistically, they may have to manage his minutes, and find rest for him where they can.
Enter Stewart.
If/when Edey isn't available, he'll be next up. Stewart is one of the best backup bigs in the NBA, and he can play at the 4 as well. With Edey's durability issues, don't be surprised if he flirts with 30 minutes a game next year.
Could he establish himself as a long-term Grizzly?
Grizzlies Could Keep Stewart Around
It's hard to say.
The Grizzlies are rebuilding, but Stewart is just 25. If they plan on getting back to competitive basketball within the next couple of seasons, he's someone they should keep on the roster.
Otherwise, increasing his minutes leading up to the trade deadline would still be sensible. Stewart could be a coveted asset on the trade market this season. In either case, he's primed to have a career year.
The Grizzlies can give him that opportunity.
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