Raptors could use a powerful interior force like this burly Pistons big man

Isaiah Stewart has developed a somewhat hot-headed reputation throughout the league, consistently proving that he will never back down in any scuffle. This "stand on business" identity has been on full display, even when facing off against some of the NBA's absolute best, such as Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James.

But ignoring his temper, Isaiah Stewart is quite the interior presence to have on your roster. Despite only boasting a 6-foot-8 frame, Stewart plays significantly larger than his measurements imply, embodying the archetype of players like Derrick Favors or Kenneth Faried. It's definitely a bonus when you can rely on Stewart to be your team's enforcer of sorts too.

Stewart's ability to turn the tides of a game was on full display in his performance against Toronto on November 15. In nearly 24 minutes of play, Stewart's modest three points and seven rebounds may not impress anyone, but it's the toughness he exhibits that doesn't always reflect in the box score.

From a defensive standpoint, the man known as "Beef Stew" demonstrated just how significant his presence in the paint can be, making it difficult for opposing Raptors players to score around the basket. Stewart would accumulate two blocks throughout the game, but from watching his effort, it seemed like he was aiming for more.

Upon closer examination of the box score, it's clear just how crucial a player of Stewart's caliber is to the Detroit Pistons, as he recorded a +9 plus-minus against the Raptors on November 15.

Toronto needs an intimidating force like Isaiah Stewart

Isaiah Stewart has never been a player primarily focused on scoring, but he excels at anchoring the team and holding down the fort. He maintains a bodyguard-like presence that keeps opposing players at bay, and you can count on Stewart to sacrifice his body for rebounds.

The Raptors' veteran center, Jakob Poeltl, does commendable work in that regard, but his frame is definitely not comparable to an Isaiah Stewart-esque build, often appearing soft and frail in certain plays. The team attempted to address this issue by signing Bruno Fernando, who has demonstrated promise in bursts and deserves more playing time; however, he isn't exactly a "Beef Stew".

Stewart is a more polished all-around NBA player than Fernando, demonstrating his versatility as a switchable player at both the power forward and center positions. While he may not be considered a sharpshooting threat, Fernando lacks that element in his game entirely. Therefore, Stewart’s ability to sink the three-pointer is definitely a valuable asset.

Toronto needs strong, physical players in the paint, and Isaiah Stewart is the ideal candidate for that role. Whether or not Detroit is considering parting ways with him remains to be seen, but he doesn't appear to be a long-term solution for the Pistons; they may explore trade options for him at the deadline. If that's the case, Toronto should be among the first to reach out to Detroit's front office to negotiate a fair deal.