Isaiah Stewart II Bio
Isaiah Stewart II (born May 22, 2001) is an American professional basketball player who currently suits up for the Detroit Pistons of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Known by his nickname “Beef Stew,” the Rochester, New York native plays the center and power forward positions and stands 6 feet 8 inches tall while weighing 250 pounds. Stewart was selected with the 16th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers before being traded to Detroit, where he has become a notable presence in the paint. He played one season of college basketball for the University of Washington Huskies before launching his professional career.
Early Life and Background
Isaiah Stewart II was born in Rochester, New York. His father, Dela Stewart, immigrated to the United States from Jamaica in the early 1970s, initially working in farm work before eventually settling in New York, where he met Stewart’s mother, Shameka Holloway. Dela worked in construction after establishing his family. Stewart’s paternal grandfather was a Jamaican fisherman and farmer who stood an impressive 6 feet 9 inches tall, suggesting the family genetics that contributed to Stewart’s size.
As a child, Stewart grew up boxing and playing soccer before focusing primarily on basketball starting in fifth grade. He was drawn to the sport because of his size and athleticism, which gave him an early advantage over his peers. Stewart played organized basketball for the first time at age 10 while attending elementary school in Rochester. By the time he reached age 12, Stewart had already grown to approximately 6 feet 0 inches tall, indicating the rapid physical development that would define his youth.
Path to Basketball
Stewart attended McQuaid Jesuit High School in his first two years of high school. As a freshman at age 14, he already stood 6 feet 7 inches tall. During his freshman season, Stewart averaged 18.5 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game, recording back-to-back 40-point performances and earning Rochester City Athletic Conference Player of the Year honors. In October 2016, Stewart broke his tailbone during United States national under-16 team tryouts, causing him to miss most of his sophomore season. He returned on February 2, 2017, posting 35 points, 14 rebounds, and six blocks in his season debut.
For his junior year, Stewart transferred to La Lumiere School in La Porte, Indiana, a prep school with a prestigious basketball program. In 19 games, he averaged 19.8 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game, leading his team to a 25-4 record and earning MaxPreps Junior All-American honorable mention recognition. During his senior season at La Lumiere, Stewart averaged 18.1 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game while helping his team achieve a remarkable 30-1 record. He won the Naismith Prep Player of the Year and Mr. Basketball USA awards, establishing himself as one of the top high school players in the country. Stewart finished as a consensus five-star recruit and top-five player in the 2019 class.
Isaiah Stewart II Career
College Career (2019–2020)
On January 21, 2019, Stewart committed to playing college basketball for Washington, choosing the Huskies over final contenders Duke, Kentucky, Michigan State, and Syracuse. He was drawn to Washington because of his longtime relationship with head coach Mike Hopkins, a former Syracuse assistant coach whom Stewart had known since his days at McQuaid Jesuit. Heading into the season, Stewart and teammate Jaden McDaniels were projected as potential top 3 picks for the 2020 NBA Draft.
Stewart made his college debut for Washington against the Baylor Bears in the 2019 Armed Forces Classic, recording 15 points and seven rebounds, including the game-winning basket in a 67-64 victory. At the conclusion of the regular season, he was named to the All-Pac-12 First Team and the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team. Stewart posted 29 points and 12 rebounds against Arizona in the Pac-12 Tournament. He averaged 17 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game as a freshman before declaring for the 2020 NBA Draft on April 1, forgoing his remaining college eligibility.
Detroit Pistons Breakthrough (2020–Present)
Stewart was drafted 16th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2020 NBA Draft. On November 22, 2020, he was traded to the Houston Rockets along with Trevor Ariza and a conditional future first-round pick in exchange for Robert Covington. Two days later, Stewart, Ariza, and additional draft compensation were traded to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Christian Wood and draft picks. The Pistons signed Stewart to his rookie scale contract on December 1, 2020. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team following the 2020-2021 season.
On July 10, 2023, Stewart agreed to a four-year, $64 million contract extension with the Pistons, securing his future with the franchise through the 2026-2027 season. This deal represented a significant milestone in his career, reflecting the Pistons’ confidence in his contributions as a frontcourt presence.
Notable Events and Milestones
Stewart’s career has been marked by several high-profile incidents involving ejections and suspensions. On November 21, 2021, he was ejected from a game against the Los Angeles Lakers after repeatedly attempting to attack LeBron James during a loss. James had hit Stewart in the face while attempting to block him out during a free throw attempt, resulting in a bloody-faced Stewart charging at James multiple times. Stewart received a two-game suspension for the incident. On February 14, 2024, Stewart was arrested in Phoenix for assault after punching opponent Drew Eubanks in the parking lot of Footprint Center before a game against the Phoenix Suns. He received a three-game suspension from the NBA.
Throughout the 2024-2025 season, Stewart accumulated multiple flagrant fouls and ejections. On November 13, 2024, he was ejected for grabbing Giannis Antetokounmpo by his jersey during a dunk attempt. On January 29, 2025, Stewart was ejected for shoving Thomas Bryant and received an automatic one-game suspension for accruing his sixth flagrant foul point of the season, along with a $50,000 fine. During a March 30 game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, he received a technical foul for shoving Donte DiVincenzo and was subsequently ejected for putting Naz Reid in a chokehold, resulting in a two-game suspension based in part on his repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts.
National Team Career
Stewart represented the United States at the 2018 FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup in Argentina. In seven games, he averaged 11.1 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. In the finals, Stewart led all scorers with 15 points and nine rebounds in a 95-52 victory over France, helping Team USA capture the gold medal. He wears the number 33 in honor of Jamaican-American NBA legend Patrick Ewing.
Isaiah Stewart II Career Highlights
Stewart has accumulated notable achievements across his high school, college, and professional career. His most significant professional honor came with his NBA All-Rookie Second Team selection in 2021. At the college level, he earned First-team All-Pac-12 and Pac-12 All-Freshman Team honors during his lone season at Washington. In high school, Stewart established himself as one of the top prospects in the country, earning McDonald’s All-American honors, Mr. Basketball USA, and Naismith Prep Player of the Year awards in 2019.
College Statistics Highlights
During his freshman season at Washington, Stewart averaged 17 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game. His standout performances included a game-winning debut against Baylor and a 29-point, 12-rebound showing against Arizona in conference play. These statistics established him as one of the most productive freshman big men in the country and positioned him as a first-round NBA Draft selection.
Isaiah Stewart II Family
Family Background
Stewart’s family background reflects a strong Jamaican heritage. His father, Dela Stewart, immigrated to the United States from Jamaica in the early 1970s, originally arriving to work in farm labor before eventually moving to New York, where he met Stewart’s mother, Shameka Holloway. Dela later worked in construction to support his family. Stewart’s paternal grandfather was a Jamaican fisherman and farmer who stood 6 feet 9 inches tall, a physical trait that appears to have been passed down through the family line. Stewart has worn the number 33 throughout his career as a tribute to Patrick Ewing, the legendary Jamaican-American center who starred for the New York Knicks.
Personal Life
Stewart and his wife, Kiley Stewart, welcomed their first child, a son named Rafa Naryan Stewart, on July 24, 2024. Stewart’s commitment to his family reflects the values instilled by his parents, particularly his father who made significant sacrifices when immigrating to the United States to build a better life for future generations. Stewart continues to represent his Jamaican roots through his basketball career and his choice to honor Patrick Ewing with his jersey number.