Pistons' Isaiah Stewart reaches next step in recovery, return still uncertain
While his return is still uncertain, the Pistons' Isaiah Stewart has reached the next step in his recovery from a Grade 1 strain in his left calf.
Minneapolis — When the Detroit Pistons recorded one of their most impressive wins of the season in a 113-110 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday , Isaiah Stewart watched every moment from the sideline of Little Caesars Arena. He cheered alongside his teammates in gray warmups during the game's most exciting moments. Although Stewart was pleased to see his teammates sweep the Lakers for the second consecutive season, he watched with a dejected expression.
It was clear he wanted to be on the court playing, but he was unable to do so because of a Grade 1 strain in his left calf. Five days later, the Pistons announced Stewart was inching closer to returning, and that he had been cleared to resume on-court basketball activities as part of his recovery process. Although he has been cleared, a team spokesperson confirmed to The Detroit News that there is still no timeline for Stewart's projected return.
"He’s progressing," coach J. B. Bickerstaff said.
"It is something that we will take our time with, making sure he is right with the timing of everything. Every day when he takes a step, we evaluate and take another step the next day. " Following Detroit's 109-87 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday, Stewart has missed eight consecutive games since the Pistons announced his injury on March 15.