bleacherreport
Memphis Grizzlies center Isaiah Stewart has made it clear that he harbors no remorse for his attempted fight with LeBron James during a 2021 game or for his role in a February brawl that involved multiple players from the Charlotte Hornets. In a candid conversation with Marc J. Spears of Andscape (at the 14:45 mark), Stewart expressed his perspective.
"I don't have no regrets. I feel like there's lessons out of everything. Even going back to that first incident, Charlotte, I don't have no regrets," Stewart told Spears. "I don't care what people may perceive me as. I come to play basketball. I play the game a certain way. There have been times where I looked back and thought, 'Hey, I should have done that.' And I feel like teams have in their game plans, 'Hey, let's do something to trip him off, get him out of the game.' For me it's hard to respect you as a man if that's your game plan."
Stewart faced disciplinary action for both incidents: a two-game suspension for the altercation with James and a seven-game suspension for his part in the February fight. Over his career, he has been suspended five separate times.
In June, the Detroit Pistons traded Stewart to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of a massive six-team trade. He had spent his first six seasons with Detroit. This season, in seven games as the Grizzlies' backup center, he is averaging 11.9 points and 3.4 rebounds.
Key Analysis
Stewart's unapologetic stance underscores his competitive nature and willingness to stand his ground, even in the face of controversy. His comments suggest that he views such incidents as learning experiences and remains focused on his role with the Grizzlies. As he continues his career in Memphis, Stewart's mentality and physical style of play will be closely watched.
Originally reported by bleacherreport.