Isaiah Stewart rejoined the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday, suiting up for the first time since completing a seven-game NBA suspension that stemmed from a pre-All-Star-break altercation with the Charlotte Hornets.
Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff welcomed the 6-foot-8 reserve’s return. “There’s so much he brings on both ends—intangibles, spirit, energy, effort,” Bickerstaff said before tip-off. “It’ll be great to have him back, not only from a basketball standpoint but on a personal and emotional level as well.”
Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson, preparing to face Detroit this week, also highlighted Stewart’s impact. “He fits their style perfectly,” Atkinson noted. “He’s a physical player who doesn’t get enough credit for his skill. He gives them another elite rim protector.”
Rotation expected to stay wide
Bickerstaff, who has frequently used 11- and 12-man lineups, indicated he has no plans to shorten the rotation as the regular season winds down. “Typically, nine is a great number,” he said. “But we’re comfortable with our depth, and we’re struggling to get away from 12.”
Cunningham impressed by Harris’ longevity
Point guard Cade Cunningham praised veteran forward Tobias Harris, now in his 15th NBA season. “It’s impressive,” Cunningham told the Detroit News. “In Year 15, I want to feel good and still get into my bag the way he does.”
Harris, set to become a free agent this summer, is averaging 13.2 points and 5.2 rebounds in 28.3 minutes. He buried the deciding shot in Friday’s overtime win at Cleveland and followed with 23 points and seven boards against Orlando on Sunday. “For me, it’s about keeping myself mentally and physically in the best condition,” Harris said.
Coaches encourage Holland’s outside attempts
Second-year wing Ron Holland is shooting just 22.7 percent from three-point range, yet Detroit’s staff wants him to keep firing when open. “His open shot is the best shot,” Bickerstaff explained. “If he’s attacking, defending and running, and the ball finds him in the corner, that’s the shot we want.”
In case you missed it, Cunningham was recently named Eastern Conference Player of the Month.
Source: Hoops Rumors
