A coveted 5 star recruit, Isaiah Stewart had an efficient season to back up his high school ranking. For the year, Stewart averaged 17 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 0.8 APG, 0.5 SPG, 2.1 BPG, and 2.2 TOPG on shooting splits of 57/25/77. Below is his full scouting report:
Name: Isaiah Stewart
Height/Weight: 6’8.5/ 243
Wingspan/ standing reach: 7’5/ 9’0.5
Hand size: 10.5
Position: PF/C
College: Washington
Tools: Frame, low post scoring, stretch potential
Pros:
- Good vision
- Good low post scorer
- Has shown flashes of ball handling skill from 10 feet and in
- Jump shooting potential
- Long arms and strong NBA body
- Excellent rebounder
Cons:
- Slow laterally
- Needs to continue to refine jump shot mechanics
- Must reduce turnovers
- Needs to improve passing against pressure
Overall:
Isaiah Stewart is a talented big man with an NBA ready body and a growing jump shot. While Stewart needs to improve overall awareness and defensive ability, he can still bring plenty to the table as an offensive-minded big man. His ability to finish at the rim, post up, and potentially shoot 3s make him a spark plug off the bench in the NBA.
For now, Stewart is best from 15 feet and in on the offensive end. Most of his shots will come off of spot up jumpers or offensive rebounds, which gives him an efficient play style. Stewart uses his outstanding frame to get great position and win box outs, which is evidenced by his 57% shooting from the field and 3 offensive rebounds per game.
The concern for Stewart at the next level remains with how he can modernize his game. His shooting should translate due to his form, mid range efficiency, and free throw success, but he must find a way to either improve or neutralize his defensive shortcomings. Additionally, Stewart was often post-oriented at Washington, which has become an almost outdated concept in the NBA. Stewart will be able to punish mismatches in the post, but in order to be maximized at the next level, he can’t rely on post-ups to be successful.
Defensively, Stewart lacks the lateral quickness to capably switch in the pick & roll, and lacks vertical pop to be a rim protector. In order to be best utilized on the defensive end, he will likely have to be the 4 and play alongside a true rim protector. With long arms, there is still hope that he can show flashes defensively that make him worth gambling on in the draft.
NBA Comparison: Floor: Caleb Swanigan; ceiling: Jordan Hill
Projected draft range: 23-43
Best fits:
- Utah Jazz
- Oklahoma City Thunder
- Charlotte Hornets
- San Antonio Spurs
- Brooklyn Nets
Shot chart:
