The whole world learned who Isaiah Stewart is this week when the Pistons forward lost his cool and tried to fight LeBron James after taking a violent elbow to the face from the Lakers star on Sunday.
The 20-year-old, who continued to try and go after James multiple times after being restrained by coaches and teammates, was suspended two games for his actions.
The incident certainly raised Stewart’s profile to a national level, but Pistons head coach Dwane Casey offered a bit of advice for the second-year player with a bright future ahead of him.
“I told him, ‘Don’t let this define who you are,’” Casey told reporters. “It doesn’t define your game whatsoever. Keep your head [up] and don’t get a reputation afterward.”
By all accounts, what everyone saw from Stewart is a stark contrast from what others who interact with him see every day.
According to a Pistons beat writer, Stewart is among the politest interviewees, answering each question with “sir” or “ma’am.” He has also carved out a reputation within the organization as hard-working and coachable.
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Casey also reminded everyone that Stewart had such an emotional reaction because he believed he was a recipient of a cheap shot that left the forward bloodied.
“I feel for the young man because he’s such a competitor and plays so hard,” Casey said. “He’s a great kid. He felt like he got a cheap shot across his brow. On the street, it would be a different story. It’s no reflection on who Isaiah Stewart is whatsoever.”
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