Pistons' Jerami Grant Reportedly out Indefinitely After Suffering Thumb Injury
Dec 12, 2021
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 10: Jerami Grant #9 of the Detroit Pistons drives against Josh Hart #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at the Smoothie King Center on December 10, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Detroit Pistons star power forward Jerami Grant is reportedly out indefinitely after tearing ligaments in his right thumb, according to Shams Charania and James Edwards III of The Athletic.
Grant appeared to suffer the injury during Friday's 109-93 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, though he was able to continue playing.
Confirming The Athletic’s report that Jerami Grant is out indefinitely with an injured right thumb. He had tests done earlier today. Tough, tough blow for a Pistons team that’s lost 11 straight games and is still awaiting Kelly Olynyk’s return from a knee sprain.
Grant, 27, leads the Pistons with 20.1 points per game, adding 4.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks per contest. He's shooting 41.4 percent from the field and 33.1 percent from three.
A solid two-way player, Grant is miscast as a leading man on offense, though in Detroit there aren't any better options, at least while rookie Cade Cunningham (15.3 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 4.5 APG) develops.
For a 4-21 Pistons team that has lost 11 straight, a stretch without Grant could be pretty rough.
On the other hand, the young Pistons aren't exactly trying to compete for a title anytime soon. More playing time for young players, and better odds at winning the 2022 NBA draft lottery, isn't a bad thing for this franchise.
The Pistons have an intriguing young core in Cunningham, Saddiq Bey, Isaiah Stewart and Killian Hayes. Grant's absence could mean more playing time for young players like Isaiah Livers and Jamorko Pickett, though veteran Trey Lyles likely will be promoted to the starting lineup and Josh Jackson should see a bump in minutes as well.
Isaiah Stewart on LeBron James Scuffle: Hit to Face Didn't Feel Like an Accident
Nov 27, 2021
Players separate Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart from Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, not in frame, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart told reporters that he didn't feel like Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James accidentally hit him in the face prior to an altercation during L.A.'s 121-116 road win over Detroit last Sunday.
The Lakers and Pistons had to be separated multiple times after this play between LeBron and Isaiah Stewart. pic.twitter.com/im0o7fXeoI
"It's going to be my last time addressing it. I watched the film. Me, personally, like I said, I didn't feel like it was an accident. But this is my last time addressing it," he said.
He added: "My main focus right now is on my team and my teammates, getting back to playing basketball. I'm not going to let that define who I am. I'm going to let what Detroit drafted me for define who I am and the way I play basketball."
Earlier this week, James told reporters he did not mean to hit Stewart:
His elbow lifted my arm here, and I basically tried to swing down on his arm. When I swinged down on his arm, he got off balance and the left side of my hand grazed his face. I knew right away I had caught some part of his head, so I went over and apologized to him. Obviously, you guys saw what happened after that. I’m definitely not that type of player. I hate to see that and what escalated after that.
The NBA suspended James for one game and Stewart for two, all without pay. Stewart needed five stitches for the cut he suffered after the James hit.
Both players have already served their suspensions. LeBron's Lakers are hosting the Sacramento Kings on Friday at Staples Center, but L.A. will see Detroit again when it welcomes the Pistons into town Sunday.
LeBron James on Striking Isaiah Stewart: 'I Didn't Think it Warranted a Suspension'
Nov 25, 2021
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 21: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers is ejected from the game against the Detroit Pistons after delivering a blow to Isaiah Stewart #28 of the Detroit Pistons during the third quarter at Little Caesars Arena on November 21, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James was suspended for one game after catching Detroit Pistons big man Isaiah Stewart with an elbow when the two teams met Sunday.
James served that suspension Tuesday and returned Wednesday evening, scoring 39 points in the Lakers' 124-116 win over the Indiana Pacers. After the game, he told reporters he didn't think he deserved to be suspended:
LeBron James said he tried to do a swim move to get Isaiah Stewart’s elbow/arm off of him and knew he hit him in the face right away and tried to apologize. “I’m not that kind of player. I didn’t think it warranted a suspension.” #Lakers#LakeShow
James' teammate, Anthony Davis, was also surprised by the suspension.
"I don't think anyone thought he was going to be suspended, to be honest. ... It was an accident. I mean, he accidentally hit [Stewart] in the face," he told reporters. "But I guess the report came out that his hit to the face caused an incident, which is weird because he can't control how a guy's gonna react. I mean, guys get hit in the face all the time, and we're saying that caused the incident?"
You can judge whether James deserved his suspension for yourself:
Lakers’ LeBron James ejected for this blow to face of Pistons’ Isaiah Stewart pic.twitter.com/fsRtNJgekF
Both players were ejected from the contest, and Stewart was suspended for two games.
Pistons head coach Dwane Casey defended the young big man after the game.
"I told him, 'Don't let this define who you are. It doesn't define your game whatsoever. Keep your head [up] and don't get a reputation afterward,'" he told reporters. "I feel for the young man because he's such a competitor and plays so hard. He's a great kid. He felt like he got a cheap shot across his brow. On the street, it would be a different story. It's no reflection on who Isaiah Stewart is whatsoever."
Dwight Howard on LeBron James, Isaiah Stewart Skirmish: 'I'd Be Pissed Off Too'
Nov 24, 2021
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 21: Dwight Howard #39 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Detroit Pistons during the second quarter of the game at Little Caesars Arena on November 21, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers big man Dwight Howard empathized with Isaiah Stewart after the Detroit Pistons center's brief scuffle with LeBron James on Sunday.
Howard told GQ's Tyler R. Tynes he didn't think Stewart was in the right but that his reaction was understandable in the circumstances:
In his defense, you gotta stand up for yourself. Now, was it the right time and place to do that? No. But you can't tell somebody how to react in a moment like that. Now, he also did a lot. He was enraged and upset. I can't say what he did was right, but I do understand it. Somebody hit me in my mouth and made me bleed? I'd be pissed off too. A little pride and ego probably kicked in too: you in front of 20,000 people, you bleeding from ya lip and ya eye, you don't ever want to look like that. I get most of why his reaction was the way it was.
James and Stewart were ejected in the third quarter prior to the Lakers' 121-116 victory over the Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. James was helping to box out Stewart when he struck 2020 first-round pick in the face.
The two began arguing, and Stewart needed to be held back on multiple occasions as he attempted to confront James further.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIMw4mPRz6Y
James declined to speak with reporters immediately after the game. Lakers star Anthony Davis addressed the matter and said LeBron didn't mean any ill intent with his swipe under the basket and initially attempted to apologize to Stewart:
Anthony Davis: "Everyone in the league knows LeBron is not a dirty guy." Says that the moment he realized he had clocked Stewart, LeBron was trying to apologize and say "my bad." Once Stewart was charging, AD says "I don't know what he was doing, but we wasn't going to allow that
On-court confrontations used to be more commonplace in the NBA. The Pistons built their reputation on their physical play during their "Bad Boys" era.
A generation or two ago, Stewart's charge at James probably would've been forgotten shortly after the game. The league has largely legislated fights out altogether, though, especially in the wake of the Malice at the Palace.
That left many to wonder what kind of punishment would be levied.
The NBA appeared to take Howard's view on the matter for the most part because it didn't drop the hammer on Stewart. He drew a two-game suspension, while James was forced to miss Los Angeles' 106-100 loss to the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday.
Both players will be available when Detroit and Los Angeles meet at Staples Center on Sunday.
LeBron James, Isaiah Stewart Suspended for Roles in Lakers-Pistons Altercation
Nov 22, 2021
Players separate Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart from Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, not in frame, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Sunday's 121-116 victory over the Detroit Pistons came at a cost for LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers star was suspended one game for his actions that led to a scuffle with Pistons big man Isaiah Stewart. Stewart, who had to be held back multiple times because he was so upset with James, was also punished and was suspended two games.
Tim Bontemps of ESPN shared the NBA's announcement that said James was punished for "recklessly hitting Stewart in the face and initiating an on-court altercation."
The NBA says Isaiah Stewart has been suspended for two games and LeBron James for one for yesterday’s incident. pic.twitter.com/R8yNEyKcDW
The incident started in the third quarter when James struck Stewart while battling for a rebound. The blow bloodied the second-year player, who then charged at James during the ensuing scuffle.
Officials reviewed the play and issued James a flagrant-2 foul and automatic ejection. Stewart was given two technical fouls and ejected, while Russell Westbrook was assessed a technical foul.
James did not address the media after the game, but Anthony Davis told reporters, "Everyone in the league knows LeBron is not a dirty guy."
Davis explained that James was looking to apologize when he realized he hit Stewart in the way he did, but the Pistons big man ended up charging at him.
Davis also said, "We're not promoting violence. I'm not promoting violence. Our security and their security did a hell of a job."
James had only been ejected one time in his career prior to the incident with Stewart. He was kicked out of a November 2017 game as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers for yelling at an official when he wasn't granted a foul when driving the lane against the Miami Heat.
James had 10 points, five assists and one rebound before he was ejected against the Pistons, while Stewart finished with four points, one rebound and one assist.
Los Angeles came storming back from a double-digit deficit without James and outscored the Pistons 37-17 in the fourth quarter.
Westbrook finished with 26 points, 10 assists, nine rebounds and two steals, while Davis was the best player on the floor for extended stretches and tallied 30 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, five blocks and four steals in a dominant performance.
LeBron James the Odds-On Favorite for Hypothetical Boxing Fight vs. Isaiah Stewart
Nov 22, 2021
Players separate Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart from Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, not in frame, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
LeBron James and Isaiah Stewart never came to blows during Sunday night's melee, but the oddsmakers think James would have taken the Detroit Pistons center if given the chance.
Bovada listed LeBron as a -230 favorite in a hypothetical fight with Stewart, who is listed at +160.
James and Stewart were ejected from Sunday's Pistons-Lakers game after LeBron hit Stewart in the face with a closed fist while the two were jockeying for position on a rebound. An incensed Stewart then charged after James on several occasions while being held back by members of both teams.
Stewart required eight stitches after the game.
The Lakers and Pistons had to be separated multiple times after this play between LeBron and Isaiah Stewart. pic.twitter.com/im0o7fXeoI
Having watched the situation play out once or seven times since Sunday night, it's hard to agree with the oddsmakers. Stewart and James are almost identical in size and weight, and Stewart seemed to reach a level of pure anger we've never seen from LeBron in 19 NBA seasons.
Stewart is also more than 16 years younger than LeBron. In a bout between two decidedly non-professional fighers, the more aggressive, younger fighter seems like a good bet at +160.
Of course, no fight will ever happen and you'd just be throwing money away, but Stewart's undervalued in this hypothetical.
Pistons HC Casey: LeBron James Isn't a Dirty Player, Isaiah Stewart Shouldn't Get Ban
Nov 22, 2021
Players separate Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart from Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, not in frame, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
LeBron James may have busted open Isaiah Stewart with a closed-fist smack that left the Detroit Pistons center bloodied and incensed, but Pistons coach Dwane Casey does not feel James is a dirty player.
"His eye got cracked all the way open," Casey told reporters. "He was upset for a reason. I don't think that James is a dirty player, but it got them going instead of continuing the momentum that we had."
James and Stewart were both ejected from Sunday's Lakers-Pistons game after LeBron clocked Stewart when the two were jostling for position on a free throw in the third quarter. James was struggling to gain his balance and seemingly cocked back his fist, smacking Stewart in the face and causing injuries that required eight stitches.
The Lakers ended up winning 121-116 after trailing 78-66 before the incident.
The Lakers and Pistons had to be separated multiple times after this play between LeBron and Isaiah Stewart. pic.twitter.com/im0o7fXeoI
Stewart immediately charged after James several times in a melee that led to a game stoppage and resulted in both players being ejected. Casey says he doesn't believe Stewart should face any further consequences for his actions.
"He shouldn't be facing anything," Casey said. "Not getting off the court in time, the league will have to decide on that. The man got eight stitches, or whatever the number of stitches it is, across his forehead. … He was upset, blood running down his face. I don't see ramifications from the league from that standpoint, except for him just (not) leaving the court, maybe. I thought that's why he got ejected out of the game. To me, that's enough punishment."
James does not have a history of dirty plays, and this was only his second ejection in his 19 NBA seasons.
That said, it would be a surprise if both players didn't receive some further reprimand from the league office.
Lakers Rally Past Pistons After LeBron James Ejected for Flagrant-2 on Isaiah Stewart
Nov 22, 2021
Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) is defended by Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
The Los Angeles Lakers bounced back from a disappointing 130-108 loss to the Boston Celtics on Friday night with a 121-116 win over the Detroit Pistons on Sunday to move to 9-9 on the season.
Sunday's game marked L.A.'s first road victory since an Oct. 26 overtime win over the San Antonio Spurs. It was also LeBron James' second game back after missing eight games with an abdominal injury.
The Lakers inconsistencies continued Sunday, and they didn't play well for much of the game. However, they got the job done... but not without some chaos.
A brawl broke out with 9:18 remaining in the third quarter after James struck Pistons center Isaiah Stewart while fighting for a rebound after a couple of foul shots from Jerami Grant.
Stewart fell to the floor, got up and confronted James immediately after being elbowed, bloody face and all. Both teams tried to separate the two, but Stewart charged back toward James and the Lakers multiple times before being forced to the locker room.
James was ejected for hitting Stewart (flagrant 2), while Stewart was also ejected for trying to fight the four-time NBA champion. It was just the second ejection of James' storied career.
The Lakers and Pistons had to be separated multiple times after this play between LeBron and Isaiah Stewart. pic.twitter.com/im0o7fXeoI
James was largely ineffective for most of Sunday's game, recording just 10 points, one rebound and five assists before being tossed from the contest. However, James' teammates didn't do him any favors. Two starters -- Avery Bradley and DeAndre Jordan -- combined for six points, 12 rebounds and two assists.
Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook were solid after James' ejection, rallying in the fourth quarter to help push the Lakers over the edge. Davis finished the fourth quarter with 12 points, four rebounds, three assists, one steal and four blocks, while Westbrook finished with 15 points, five rebounds, six assists and two steals.
If there's one true positive from this game for the Lakers, it's Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard's solid performances off the bench, combining for 31 points and seven rebounds.
Jerami Grant, Cade Cunningham Impressive for Pistons
Grant has been one of Detroit's best players this season, and he showed up big time against the Lakers on Sunday night. He kicked things off in the first half with 18 points on 7-of-12 shooting from the field and 4-of-5 shooting from deep, three rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Grant continued his impressive performance in the third quarter, tacking on 10 points, one rebound and two assists before closing out the fourth quarter with eight points.
Grant entered Sunday's game averaging 18.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game while shooting 40.1 percent from the field and 30.8 percent from deep. If the Pistons have any hope of finding success this season, they'll need him to continue producing at a high level.
In addition to Grant, Cunningham was also spectacular. The rookie notched his second career double-double in just three quarters to help push Detroit over the edge. He had 13 points, eight rebounds, 10 assists and two steals entering the fourth quarter.
It's also important to note the Pistons got significant contributions from Hamidou Diallo and Frank Jackson off the bench. The duo combined for 32 points, eight rebounds and an assist.
Those bench contributions will be important for Detroit moving forward, but the team will also need more contributions from Stewart and Cory Joseph, two starters. While Stewart was ejected, he only had four points, one rebound, one assist and one block before being tossed in the third quarter.
Joseph, meanwhile, finished with five points, four rebounds and seven assists.
What's Next?
The Lakers will move on to face the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, while the Pistons will host the Miami Heat.
Lakers' LeBron James Ejected After Bloodying Pistons' Isaiah Stewart with Hit to Face
Nov 22, 2021
DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 21: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up prior to the game against the Detroit Pistons on November 21, 2021 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
LeBron James and Isaiah Stewart were ejected from Sunday's game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Detroit Pistons.
James and DeAndre Jordan were boxing out Stewart on a Jerami Grant free throw in the third quarter when James swung his left arm back and hit Stewart in the face. The two needed to be separated on the court after play stopped.
Regardless of whether the four-time MVP had any ill intent behind his swing, Stewart clearly took exception. The Pistons center ran across the court in an attempt to confront James (warning: contains strong language).
Stewart wound up needing five stitches after the game.
This is only the second time in James' NBA career he has been ejected from a game. The first was in November 2017, when he was sent to the locker room early after arguing with referees.
James avoided a suspension four years ago, but he may not be so lucky this time around. Likewise, Stewart could face additional punishment.
Gotta imagine a suspension is coming for Isaiah Stewart. You lose it like that and you're gonna miss a game or two.
The real question is if LeBron James also gets a suspension or not. Flagrant 2's pretty regularly do also come with a one-game suspension. We'll see tomorrow!
Stewart continues to show promise in his second season. He was averaging 7.5 points and 7.5 rebounds entering Sunday.
As long as the 20-year-old doesn't miss a long stretch of games, the rebuilding Pistons shouldn't be too affected by his absence, though.
The Lakers managed to overturn a 15-point deficit through three quarters to earn a 121-116 victory Sunday, but the comeback still doesn't catapult themselves out of a play-in position.
Ankle and abdominal injuries have already forced James to miss 10 games, and his return Friday saw Los Angeles suffer a 130-108 loss to the Boston Celtics.
A one-game suspension may not seem like much, but Los Angeles can't afford to lose any more ground in the Western Conference playoff race, even at a relatively early juncture in the season.
Ben Simmons Trade Rumors: Cade Cunningham of Interest; 76ers Don't Want Jerami Grant
Nov 21, 2021
Philadelphia 76ers' Ben Simmons takes part in a practice at the NBA basketball team's facility, Monday, Oct. 18, 2021, in Camden, N.J. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
The Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly not willing to hold trade discussions with the Detroit Pistons for Ben Simmons unless Cade Cunningham is attached in a deal.
Kyle Neubeck of Philly Voice reported the Sixers are not interested in a trade centered on Jerami Grant, who is viewed as being too similar to Tobias Harris. Cunningham is the only player on the Pistons roster who could move the needle, and it's highly unlikely Detroit is willing to part with the 2021 No. 1 overall pick.
The Sixers have been searching for a Simmons trade partner for several months to no avail. President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey has set a high price tag on Simmons—one fitting of a 25-year-old three-time All-Star—but no team has been willing to meet the price. Simmons' relationship with the organization has grown increasingly toxic, with the point guard holding out of training camp before reporting and then refusing to play, citing mental health concerns.
It's unclear when or if Simmons will play in a Sixers uniform again.
The situation is borderline unprecedented in NBA history, with both sides drawing their lines in the sand and refusing to budge. Simmons does not want to play for the Sixers again and seemingly feels the situation is detrimental to his mental health. Morey refuses to sell Simmons' services at 25 cents on the dollar and hopes Simmons returns to the fold—something that would almost certainly raise his trade value.
The Pistons were never considered much of a serious threat. Grant isn't a needle-moving player and creates an obvious positional redundancy with Harris, though the pair could switch off at the 3-4 spots. There is no circumstance in which the Pistons would trade Cunningham, who has struggled early in his rookie season but is the team's best bet at a franchise-changing player.
