The only question is if the Pistons extend him this year, or if Stewart will bet on himself and let the market set his price in restricted free agency in 2024. He’s a tone-setter on defense and energizes the team with his spirit. ![]() But the Pistons already view Stewart as a franchise cornerstone. Other players who can comfortably shift between both positions, such as Boston Celtics big man Grant Williams and Golden State Warriors (and Michigan State alumnus) Draymond Green, have proven themselves as irreplaceable playoff performers.Ī BIG SUMMER: What Pistons need to do to crush 2023 offseason, Troy Weaver's most pivotal yetĪNOTHER PILLAR OF FUTURE: Where Killian Hayes fits in Pistons future ahead of his most crucial yearĪs Stewart approaches extension eligibility later this summer, he understands that his continued growth as a perimeter player is key to his future. Stewart could become one of the NBA’s more valuable bigs if he masters his responsibilities at both the four and five. The end results were mixed, but the Detroit Pistons are encouraged by what they saw. He started his transition from center to power forward - abandoning the paint to shoot multiple 3-pointers every night, chasing smaller players on defense, and learning how to coexist alongside another big man. Even if he doesn’t return, the Spartans will be in a good spot, but it would be a huge piece to have him return.This past season was filled with “firsts” for Isaiah Stewart. With him on the team next season, Michigan State will be in a prime position to finish at the top of the Big Ten. To emphasize how good Jaden Akins is when fully healthy, in his final seven games, he averaged 13.4 points and shot 50% from beyond the arc. My guess is that he will ultimately return for next season, and with the threat of Akins possibly entering the transfer portal, the draft process was a much better alternative. Spartan fans were excited for the potential of having him on the squad. The potential is clearly there for Akins to have a breakout season, and he was on the cusp of that in the 21–22 season. When Akins was at full strength, it was his solid defense and ability to energize the team that really put him over the top. Akins finished 42 percent from the field and was just above that from three. MSU fans got to see his highlight dunks and ability to shoot beyond the perimeter. “I’ve been gathering information for him already, and we will continue to support him however possible,” said Izzo in a statement. Tom Izzo said that Akins wasn’t running at 100 percent for most of the first half of the season. It was offseason surgery on his left foot that hampered his ability to start the season at full strength. There was plenty of potential by Jaden Akins last season, who averaged 9.8 points, 1.2 assists, and four rebounds. “My goals also extend beyond Michigan State.” “It has always been a dream of mine to compete at the highest level,” said Akins. ![]() The 6-foot-4, 190-pound guard from Farmington, MI, has much higher aspirations than MSU. ![]() Those words seem to be encouraging for Michigan State fans who hope for Akins to return. Next season could be special for Spartan basketball, and that motivates me to get better each and every day,” said Akins in his post. There is so much more I would love to accomplish. “Wearing the green and white has been a dream come true. The decision comes with Akins having two more years of eligibility left and the opportunity to try and compete for a championship next season at Michigan State. On Friday, the MSU sophomore guard announced via Instagram that he would be entering his name into the NBA Draft process.
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