Isaiah Stewart might make Wembanyama the most hated player in the NBA

By now, you may have heard Jake Fischer's report stating that the Spurs are interested in Detroit's power forward/center, Isaiah Stewart. That's a position that could stand an upgrade, and adding a rough rider like Beef Stew would be just what the doctor ordered.

However, the domino effect would be growing resentment for Victor Wembanyama because he's not going to stop punking teams, and many will refuse to respond. They won't want to contend with the aggressiveness and volatility Stewart brings to the floor. Wemby has already drawn the ire of NBA fans who were just getting to know the towering Frenchman.

What they found out is something Spurs fans were already well aware of: he's not here to be your friend. He's got the fire of past legends and a mean streak to match. Wembanyama has no problem walking over his opponent to get to reach his destination, and some people don't like that. So, giving a bodyguard to, in their eyes, the aggressor, will breed resentment.

Wemby and Stewart would make for a gruesome pairing

Beef Stew isn't the biggest scoring threat, but he's not a zero-factor player in that area either. The six-year vet averaged 10 points per game last season on 55% FG, and he can make 76% of his free throws. He'll provide solid screening, offensive rebounding, and he generally doesn't force ill-advised shots when he shouldn't.

The main impact will come on the defensive side and overall nastiness of the team. The Spurs played with intensity for the majority of the season, and once they figured out that their opponents were trying to use rough play to beat them, they became the aggressors. That trend carried them through the majority of the season.

Stewart's presence would only intensify their edge, driving opposing fan bases crazy because of the freedom it gives Wembanyama, especially. Teams have spent years trying to rough him up since they're incapable of matching his skill and size.

The Pistons' bruiser would make players think twice before turning possessions into free-for-alls. The result could be an even more aggressive version of Wemby, and that's a terrifying thought for the rest of the league.

Wembanyama can lean into his nasty side with Stewart backing him up

Wembanyama has always had a bit of an attitude towards his opponents. We can't forget that this is the same kid who said his goal was to traumatize guys when he posterizes them. He was a rookie then. That mindset hasn't changed.

The Alien will dunk on your head and then yell or laugh in your face, depending on his mood. He'll make dismissive faces when you challenge him and try to embarrass you if you let him. This has always been him, but you know who else operated this way? Kobe Bryant. Michael Jordan. Shaquille O'Neal. The list goes on.

All-time greats aren't just trying to reach the top; they want to climb over the opposition to do it. We haven't seen that kind of fire in a while, so some fans are sensitive to the brash nature of that kind of competitive drive. They want him to "get his" and see him suffer. Stewart isn't going to allow those people happiness.

He'll join Wembanyama in bullying the opponents. This is a guy who racked up 13 technical fouls and was ejected twice last season. Stew doesn't need to start, but he can. He doesn't need to score, but he can. He'll be there to provide defense, toughness, and backup for Wemby. That's the last thing Vic's critics want to see.

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