Memphis Grizzlies big man Isaiah Stewart is ready to go to work with his new team.
Incoming Memphis Grizzlies big man Isaiah Stewart has earned a reputation as a tough, gritty enforcer in the NBA, and now, he's ready to bring those qualities to his new team.
“Just having that chip on your shoulder, blue-collar city and just grit, grind and going to work,” Stewart said. “That fits who I am, and I think I can flow right into that area.”
Stewart is joining the Grizzlies after six seasons with the Detroit Pistons, where he established an identity for himself in the league. Detroit then traded him to Memphis earlier this offseason, marking the start of a new chapter for him.
Some Grizzlies have already been able to work out with the newcomer, including wing Jaylen Wells, who described Stewart as "definitely a presence."
Stewart himself said he likes to set the tone with his game, adding that he's ready to ride behind the city of Memphis and the Grizzlies organization this season.
“It’s just setting the tone,” Stewart said. “The kind of tone I play with. Switch that flip on when it’s time to go and ride behind the city and that name in front of the jersey. That’s what I look forward to here this season.”
The Grizzlies have some history when it comes to building a gritty culture. The Grit 'n' Grind era of basketball in Memphis is one that many fans remember well, and players like Mike Conley Jr., Tony Allen, Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol likely come to mind for those thinking back on it.
The Commercial Appeal noted that Stewart has already connected with members of that Grizzlies era.
He believes a gritty culture is something the team should be "leaning toward building here."
“You mention the Grit 'n' Grind, ain’t nothing sexy about it,” Stewart said. “You get it out the mud, you build days brick by brick, and I think that’ll wear on teams. Teams don’t like to go against that every single night. I think that’s the culture we should be leaning toward building here.”
The Grit 'n' Grind Grizzlies were known for their defense. In truth, Memphis has a long way to go if it wants to get back there. Last season, the team ranked 27th in the NBA in defensive rating.
But a team doesn't have to develop an elite defense before it can embrace a gritty culture, especially with Stewart noting how approach and work ethic are keys to the identity that he has in mind for the team.
The 25-year-old big man figures to be a key rotation piece for Memphis, even though he doesn't project as a starter. Last season, he finished seventh in the Sixth Man of the Year race, so he is familiar with making an impact off the bench.
Stewart averaged 10.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game in the 2025-26 campaign while shooting 55.0 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from beyond the arc. A strong defender and rim protector, he should have a chance to help the Grizzlies improve on that end of the floor and perhaps give them a lift from time to time on offense.
It's a new day in Memphis as the team enters the Cameron Boozer era, and Stewart seems to have some valuable ideas about what type of team the Grizzlies should try to be.
