The Grizzlies made several moves this summer, but Isaiah Stewart's defense, toughness, and versatility could make him their most underrated addition.
The Memphis Grizzlies made a lot of moves this summer, but their decision to acquire Isaiah Stewart is the most underrated of them all.
Then again, "underrated" might as well be Stewart's middle name. There's nothing flashy about his game. Stewart has made his NBA money from a combination of pure grit and high functionality.
That's going to benefit the Grizzlies nicely.
Grizzlies Land Perfect Role Player in Stewart
Let's talk about what Stewart brings to the table.
Last season, he shot 33.3% on 2.1 three-point attempts per game. Those aren't exceptional numbers, but they're enough to keep defenses honest.
In 2023-24, he fared much better. Stewart connected on 38.3% of his 3.8 threes per game. That made him one of the best stretch bigs in the NBA, and the Grizzlies will hope he can replicate that success in 2026-27. Either way, that's enough focus on his three-point shooting...
Most of Stewart's impact comes on the defensive end of the floor.
It would be no stretch to call him one of the best defensive big men in the league. He's listed at 6'8", but with a 7'4" wingspan and excellent instincts, he's a stout rim protector. Stewart is also agile enough to guard some wings and block shots from the weak side, and strong enough to contain his primary assignment regularly.
He's a perfect role player for 2026 NBA basketball. Any team with winning aspirations would be happy to roster Stewart.
But what will his role be with the rebuilding Grizzlies?
Stewart Should Thrive in Memphis
It's been discussed in these pages at length, but the reality is that Memphis is likely to try to win more games than fans are expecting in 2026-27. With the league's new lottery odds, they have no incentive to tank.
So, Stewart will find a role. On opening night, he's likely to be Zach Edey's primary backup. That said, if Memphis opts to try to preserve Edey's massive body, don't be surprised to see Stewart on the floor when the opening buzzer sounds at multiple points throughout the season.
Moreover, the Grizzlies likely acquired Stewart with more than just the 2026-27 season in mind. He has a team option on his $15 million salary for 2027-28, which comes due next summer. The Grizzlies will surely exercise that option ahead of a season when they'll inevitably be looking to make a playoff run.
Assuming Edey stays healthy, Stewart's long-term role should be as a key reserve as a combo big who gets close to 30 minutes per game between the five and four. Given everything he brings to the table, that'll help the Grizzlies usher in a new era of winning basketball.
That makes him their most underrated acquisition of the summer.
