Isaiah

Stewart

There were rumors over the past week that Detroit could be open to moving Stewart, but this is clearly a cost-cutting move. Stewart’s departure should open the door for Paul Reed to become the backup center behind Jalen Duren, barring other moves. Stewart should fill out the backup center minutes in Memphis behind Zach Edey. The Grizzlies were the worst rebounding team in the league after the All-Star break last year, but with Edey healthy and Beef Stew in town, the frontcourt should be far more formidable next season.

Stewart, who has two years and $30 million remaining on his current contract, saw his playing time decrease during the postseason due to Detroit’s search for more playmaking alongside Cade Cunningham. To address that issue this summer, Beef Stew could be used to make something happen. And in a separate report, NBA insider Jake Fischer wrote that Stewart is “bracing” for a move elsewhere. In 58 games last season, Stewart averaged 10.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 22.7 minutes. Backing up Jalen Duren has lowered Beef Stew’s fantasy ceiling; a move to a place where he would play more could change that. And if Stewart were to be traded, that would free up additional opportunities for Paul Reed.

An afterthought for most of the first three games of this series, Reed has emerged as a key contributor due to Jalen Duren’s struggles. However, both played well in Game 6, which is why the Pistons will host Game 7 on Sunday. Reed, a double-digit scorer in four straight games, finished with a career-high point total and was a steal shy of a complete stat line. Isaiah Stewart played just four minutes on Friday, and his playing time is likely to be limited on Sunday as well.

Duren is the lone Pistons regular on the injury report for Sunday’s regular-season finale, even though Detroit’s playoff seeding won’t be affected by the outcome. Isaiah Stewart is available, but most of Duren’s minutes may be absorbed by Paul Reed, as Beef Stew only recently returned from a strained calf.

Back in the Pistons’ rotation after a 13-game absence with a strained calf, Stewart played 11 minutes off the bench on Wednesday. He didn’t miss a shot against the Bucks, and while the rebounding production was underwhelming, Beef Stew’s mere presence on the court makes a difference for the Pistons. Paul Reed played 10 minutes, finishing with 10 points, three rebounds, one assist and one blocked shot. Wednesday’s game was one the Pistons won comfortably, which likely impacted Stewart’s minutes. But the focus is on ensuring he’s sharp for the playoffs, which begin on April 18.

After missing 13 games, Stewart’s return comes with three games left before the NBA playoffs. For the Eastern Conference’s first-seeded Pistons, the short runway to the postseason gives Stewart a few games to return to form as a defensive presence in the interior. He’s averaging 10.0 points and 5.1 rebounds as well, while starting 13 of his 55 games this year.

Stewart is closing in on a return to action after having last played on March 13. It would be optimal for him and the Pistons to get in some game action before the playoffs. Paul Reed may lose out on some playing time, but it’s highly unlikely that Beef Stew would take on a full workload immediately.

Stewart was initially ruled out for this game but was upgraded to doubtful Monday afternoon. He has now been ruled out again. Paul Reed will continue to fill out the backup center minutes, though Stewart appears to be getting closer to a return.

Stewart, who last appeared in a game on March 13, was initially ruled out for Monday’s game. Paul Reed will lose out on some minutes if Beef Stew returns, but the Pistons are locked into the top seed in the East. If cleared during the regular season, Stewart may only play enough to shake off the rust ahead of the playoffs.

Stewart has not appeared in a game since March 13, and that won’t change on Monday. Paul Reed will continue to take on the backup center responsibilities, making him a worthwhile option in deep leagues.