The Celtics have found way more than they originally bargained for in Sam Hauser.
After going undrafted out of Virginia, Hauser spent the first half of his rookie season on a two-way deal with the Celtics before signing a standard NBA contract midway through the season. Hauser was the first Celtic two-way player to have his contract converted to a standard NBA deal during his rookie season.
It was clear that Brad Stevens and the Celtics saw potential in the former Virginia Cavalier when the team declined his $1.6 million team option following his rookie season and offered him a three-year deal worth just under $6 million.
In terms of value contracts - You won’t find many around the league that top Hauser’s. The 3-and-D wing is making an average salary of about $1.8 million per season.
The Celtics took a shot on Hauser after 60 players were chosen before him on draft night back in 2021, and it has paid off big time for the Celtics.
The major changes made by the Celtics this offseason put Hauser in a prime position to take on a more substantial role, and so far, he has made the most of the opportunity, shouldering the load for a bench unit that has had its struggles early in the season.
After a slow start, shooting just 3-of-15 (20%) from deep in three games in October, Hauser found his stroke in November. The 25-year-old sharpshooter is shooting a ridiculous 25-of-44 (56.8%) from deep in the first seven games in November. Hauser has led the Celtics in bench-scoring in six of Boston’s seven games this month.
In November, Hauser is averaging 12.2 points per game on 58.3% shooting from the floor and 56.8% from beyond the arc. Hauser is also averaging three rebounds per game.
Hauser’s value was on full display in Monday night’s 114-98 win over the New York Knicks, as he snagged a team-high three rebounds and provided a much-needed spark defensively in the first quarter. The 6-foot-8 wing finished the game with 12 points on 4-of-6 shooting (all from deep), four rebounds and two assists.
Though mostly known for his lights-out shooting, Hauser’s efforts on the defensive end are often overlooked. Hauser contested six shots and had two deflections in his 21 minutes of action Monday night, as Knicks shooters finished the night 0-of-4 with a turnover on shots defended by Hauser.
“I think he’s a much better defender than people think. I can’t say why, or else I’ll get in trouble,” head coach Joe Mazzulla said postgame. “His technique and his ability to know tendencies. I feel just as comfortable with him guarding as anybody else. I've said it from day one, I think he's a very, very good defender, underrated, and as he continues to get better, it makes our team better.”
With depth in question, the Celtics needed Hauser to step up this season, and he has in a big way, emerging as more than just a three-point shooter. Hauser is a legitimate weapon for the Celtics and will play a key role off the bench for the C’s in their quest Banner 18.
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