NBA Notes: Pistons, Isaiah Stewart, Mavericks, Naji Marshall, Kings

Pistons

Detroit is not being subtle about how it views Isaiah Stewart. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff already planted the flag, calling Stewart “the best defensive center in the league,” and Stewart is embracing the identity.

Speaking with Hunter Patterson of The Athletic, Stewart described rim protection like a fight.

“You can’t be scared to get punched,” he said. “… I’m going to be here and I’m going to challenge you every time.”

Stewart is averaging a career-high two blocks per game in just 23.6 minutes and has Defensive Player of the Year on his mind.

“I truly believe I am the best defender in the league,” he said.

The main hurdle is playing time. The 20-minute threshold could matter if his role does not expand.

Mavericks

Dallas is listening on most of the roster, but Marc Stein of The Stein Line reports the team has drawn firm lines on Naji Marshall and Max Christie as part of its post–Luka Doncic core around Cooper Flagg.

Per Stein, the Mavericks are unwilling to entertain Marshall trade talks that do not start with a future first-round pick.

Christie is viewed as another priority piece, with the team more focused on his shooting surge and potential Three-Point Contest appearance than flipping him.

Marshall is posting 14.7 points per game on 54.5% shooting. Christie is at 13.3 points while hitting 45.5% from three on volume. Neither player is labeled untouchable, but Dallas is clearly not motivated to move either.

Kings

In Sacramento, one name continues to float to the top of the deadline board. Stein reports Keon Ellis has emerged as the most likely King to be dealt.

Ellis has not secured a consistent rotation role, yet multiple teams are targeting his defense. That interest has reportedly pushed the Kings to set an asking price of a first-round pick.

Some around the league believe an Ellis trade is close to inevitable. The question now is which team decides he is worth the cost.