Isaiah Stewart II, nicknamed Beef Stew, is an American professional basketball player for the Detroit Pistons of the NBA. He plays as both a center and power forward, known for his versatility and defensive presence.
Born on May 22, 2001, in Rochester, New York, Stewart initially played soccer and boxed. He started focusing on basketball at age 10. His size and athleticism made him stand out early.
Early Life and Quick Facts
Stewart grew quickly, developing into a dominant force on the court. By high school, he was already a standout athlete with strong fundamentals and a competitive edge.
| Full Name | Isaiah Stewart II |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 22, 2001 |
| Age (2025) | 24 years |
| Birthplace | Rochester, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) |
| Weight | 250 lb (113 kg) |
| Position | Center / Power Forward |
| Current Team | Detroit Pistons (NBA) |
| College | University of Washington |
| NBA Draft | 2020, 16th overall pick |
| Net Worth | $10 million (estimated) |
| Parents | Dela Stewart, Shameka Holloway |
High School Career
Stewart attended McQuaid Jesuit High School for his first two years. As a freshman, he averaged 18.5 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks. He recorded two consecutive 40-point games and earned Rochester City Athletic Conference player of the year.
He transferred to La Lumiere School in Indiana for his junior year. There, he averaged 19.8 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks. His senior year stats were 18.1 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks, helping his team achieve a 30–1 record. Stewart won Mr. Basketball USA and Naismith Prep Player of the Year.
College Career at Washington
Stewart chose the University of Washington in 2019. He wanted to develop under coach Mike Hopkins, a mentor since his high school days.
In his freshman season, he averaged 17 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game. He earned First-Team All-Pac-12 honors. After one season, Stewart declared for the 2020 NBA Draft, confident in his readiness for the professional stage.
NBA Career with the Detroit Pistons
Drafted 16th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers, Stewart was quickly traded to Houston, and then to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Christian Wood.
- Signed his rookie scale contract in December 2020.
- Known for his physicality and defensive intensity.
- In July 2023, he signed a four-year, $64 million contract extension.
Stewart has become a core player for the Pistons. His aggressiveness can lead to ejections, but it also energizes his team.
Playing Style and Strengths
- Versatile: Can play both center and power forward.
- Defensive presence: Blocks shots and rebounds effectively.
- Physicality: Uses strength to dominate opponents.
- High energy: Hustles on both ends of the court.
Stewart’s style makes him a fan favorite. His ability to impact games on both sides of the floor is crucial for Detroit’s young roster.
Why Watch Isaiah Stewart
Stewart is exciting to watch because he combines skill, athleticism, and intensity. From high school dominance to college stardom and now an NBA starter, his trajectory shows steady growth. He has the potential to become a franchise cornerstone in Detroit. Fans can expect highlight dunks, strong rebounds, and defensive plays whenever he’s on the court.
