A line of more than 100 Memphis Grizzlies fans formed in the walkway at AutoZone Park ahead of a Redbirds game on Sept. 12.
Many fans wore Grizzlies jerseys as new center Isaiah Stewart made his way to a table with a seat waiting for him. When fans spotted Stewart, a loud ovation and cheers broke out.
Stewart smiled and clapped back in appreciation.
The Grizzlies acquired Stewart this summer after he spent five seasons with the Detroit Pistons. It didn’t take long for him and his new teammates to begin connecting.
“You compete against these guys for a few years. Now you’re teammates with them and you get to know who they are as a person,” Stewart said. “That’s been great. Getting to know the guys and seeing who I’m rocking with.”
Stewart has already
begun working out with several Grizzlies players. Saturday’s Redbirds game marked his first public community appearance since joining the team.
The Grizzlies traded for Stewart in part because of his gritty nature. He’s known as a player who will protect his teammates, defend the rim and bring a vocal presence.
Those attributes align with the direction Memphis is taking with its young core. After his first workouts with his new teammates, Stewart has already picked up on some of those qualities.
“These are very physical, athletic guys,” he said. “They’re ready to go, and I’m excited to be able to compete with them. I think we’re going to be able to show the city a lot. I look forward to competing with them.”
During Stewart’s five seasons in Detroit, he experienced the team’s transition from the worst record in the NBA to a team that became one of the Eastern Conference’s best.
Memphis is now going through its own rebuilding process.
Stewart, 25, is young by NBA standards, but he believes his experience in Detroit uniquely qualifies him for the opportunity in Memphis.
“It’s an experience I can bring here to this group,” he said. “And also just letting them know it’s about patience. We have to stack days. It doesn’t happen overnight.”
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Center Isaiah Stewart finding his place with Memphis Grizzlies
