Summer is almost here, which means it's nearly time for some international basketball. The FIBA World Cup 2027 Americas pre-qualification round is taking place this offseason, offering NBA players a chance to claim some international glory for their home countries before the 2025-26 regular season begins.
The Detroit Pistons will have some international representation in the upcoming FIBA action. It was reported last month that standout two-way forward Ausar Thompson is "open to represent Jamaica in future FIBA competitions and possibly the Olympics," and he's since been working toward securing his Jamaican citzenship.
As it turns out, Thompson might not be the only Piston who represents Jamaica in the near future.
Pistons Rumors: Isaiah Stewart Could Team Up With Ausar Thompson to Represent Jamaica
On Wednesday, Jamaica Observer's Daniel Blake reported that Pistons center Isaiah Stewart is in the conversation "to join Jamaica’s growing basketball team." The 24-year-old rebounder's father was born in Jamaica and moved to the United States about 40 years ago, making him eligible to represent his heritage.
BREAKING: Been informed that talks are underway for @Raptors All-Star Scottie Barnes, @DetroitPistons centre Isaiah Stewart & @spurs guard Devin Vassell to join Jamaica’s growing basketball team.
— Daniel Blake (@DannyBeegie) June 4, 2025
Twin brothers Amen & Ausar Thompson begun their passport process last week. pic.twitter.com/iPqzFL1bXW
Stewart has previously represented Team USA on the international stage, so switching over to the Jamaican team would mark a significant change. Having said that, being targeted by Jamaica could be exactly what the former 2020 first-rounder needs after a relatively disappointing season.
Stewart went from averaging 10.9 points and 6.6 rebounds in 46 games (45 starts) during the 2023-24 season to 6.0 points and 5.5 rebounds in 72 outings (4 starts) last year. Although his field-goal percentage skyrocketed from 48.7% to 55.9%, his three-point efficiency plummeted from 38.3% to 32.1%. He was also limited to one playoff appearance due to a knee injury.
Stewart is a terrific frontcourt contributor whenever he's healthy and on his game, so it'll be interesting to see if he can put things together long enough to crack the Jamaican squad. Successfully doing so would put him in a great place to hit the ground running when the 2025-26 NBA regular season begins.
For now, Pistons fans will cheer Thompson and Stewart on from afar, wondering if the duo will eventually go head-to-head against Team USA under the international spotlight.