Pistons' New Generation Big Ben! Stewart Set to Return Next Wednesday: Calls Himself the League's Best Defender

On February 28th, Beijing time, Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart is confident he has established himself among the NBA's elite defenders and contributed to his team's league-leading performance. "I'm simply the best defender in the league," Stewart told ESPN's Goodwill. Many view him as the modern incarnation of Ben Wallace for the Pistons.

Goodwill revealed, "Stewart is acutely aware of his defensive metrics and closely monitors how other players in the league perform in similar categories."

The current statistics indeed support his claim—he has a strong case to be considered the league's premier rim protector this season—

Among players who have defended at least 150 shots at the rim, Stewart holds opponents to a 42.7% field goal percentage, ranking first in the league.

Averaging 1.7 blocks per game, which places him 8th in the league.

Averaging 9.3 contested shots per game, ranking second among players 6'10" and under, trailing only Anthony Davis who has played in 20 games.

Furthermore, although not primarily a stretch big, he is one of only six players this season with at least 75 blocks and 30 three-pointers made, shooting 34% from deep—a stark contrast to Wallace, who rarely attempted threes.

Stewart was also named the Eastern Conference Defensive Player of the Month for December.

Thanks in part to his contributions, the Pistons boast a defensive rating of 108.5, second only to the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder and currently ranked second in the league. Pistons legend Ben Wallace sees a strong resemblance in their playing styles. A source close to Ben Wallace said, "Ben looks at Stewart like a proud father looks at his son."

The comparison between Big Ben and Stewart is natural, striking, and unavoidable. "I can absolutely see it," Ben Wallace told ESPN. Both are interior players whose impact defies their perceived height limitations; both play with a relentless edge in every facet of the game; both have played pivotal roles in the resurgence of the Pistons, a city that deeply appreciates players of their mold.

"He paved the way for undersized big men like us," Stewart said. "I want to honor that legacy and leave my own positive mark on this franchise."

Stewart is currently serving a 7-game suspension stemming from an incident against the Charlotte Hornets on February 10th. He will miss today's home game against the Cavaliers and Monday's road game against the Magic. His suspension will conclude in time for him to return for next Wednesday's road game against the Cavaliers.