The Isaiah Stewart File
- 16th Overall Pick in the 2020 NBA Draft
- Second Team All-Rookie, 2020-21
- 2018-19 McDonald's All-American
Beef Stew
For someone who is big and strong, "beef" comes easily. Combine that with someone named, "Isaiah Stewart" and well, the rest is just as easy. That's how the NBA big man got his nickname, "Beef Stew," which might be up there among best nicknames in the league right now.
Although NBA fans might recognize Stewart for a different reason. The image that fans probably envision is not the dinner-time meal, but rather a bloodied face, dripping onto a white Pistons home jersey. That followed a hit from LeBron James in Nov. 2021, where Stewart took exception and a near-brawl almost ensued. The scene was something reminiscent of the old "Bad Boys" Pistons, with Stewart being held back repeatedly, breaking arm tackles like a NFL running back in their prime.
Despite that, Stewart's nickname only grew in popularity, leading to the big man filing for a trademark for "Beef Stew," aiming to sell merchandise created around it. In some ways, there is no nickname more perfect for Stewart's style of play. As someone who is physical and strikes fear into the opposition, Stewart has carved out a nice spot in the league for years to come.