Boston Celtics: Signing Sam Hauser was an opportune decision for BOS

After connecting on 6-of-10 3-pointers in his third Las Vegas Summer League game, the Boston Celtics signed Sam Hauser to a two-way contract. The undrafted rookie scored a game-high 21 points off the bench and put out seven assists in the game.

While in college, Hauser did most of his work playing for Marquette before transferring to Virginia after three years. He finished his four-year college career averaging 13.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game while posting 48-44-88 shooting splits in over 31.6 minutes per game.

Sam Hauser said he received a call from the Boston Celtics as soon as the draft ended, wanting to sign him to a two-way contract.

"“I didn’t get drafted, obviously. Then right as the draft ended Boston called and they said we’re going to offer you a two-way, and I got 10 minutes to kind of decide.” – Sam Hauser, via Brian Robb of MassLive"

For the last few years, the Boston Celtics have missed dependable shooters and depth around their power forward position outside of Jayson Tatum. Bringing Hauser in on one of their available two-way slots is quite perfect for Boston, considering the caliber of player that he is. It was surprising to see him go undrafted, and after the Celtics had previously worked out with Hauser prior to the draft, the team knew they had to sign him.

"“They said I had a really good workout. They said they weren’t sure if I was in their range or not in the draft. But I ended up here so sort of a blessing in disguise, I guess. So. I’m happy with the fit. And I’m glad to be in Boston.” – Sam Hauser, via Brian Robb of MassLive"

Hauser had a slow start during the first two games of Summer League with the Celtics. But he figured it out in the third game, scoring 21 points off the bench (hitting six 3-pointers) along with seven assists. He said after the game that he needed time to adjust to the new NBA level that he’s playing at.

"“I think I can shoot, so I think just taking it to the next level. The speed of the game is a lot quicker. The first two games I was kind of getting used to it, I couldn’t really make a shot, but I think this third game I kinda got my legs underneath me and adjusted, so I just think just taking my shooting to the next level.” – Sam Hauser, via Brian Robb of MassLive"

Hauser more than likely went undrafted due to his subpar defense. However, it’s worth mentioning that early in his college career, Hauser led the Big East with a 98.0 defensive rating, as well as leading the conference in defensive rebounds (209) in 2018-19. With that, he has defensive tendencies in him, he clearly just focused more on his offensive game as he went through his time in the NCAA.

While on a two-way contract with Boston, Hauser will spend most of his time playing with the Maine Celtics in the G-League. There, he will be able to work on becoming more of a well-rounded NBA player. He knows that he needs time to adjust to the NBA and playing in the G-League will be good for him to do that.

"“It’s a lot different. It’s more isolation ball. At Virginia you had help all around, definitely an adjustment there, but that’s the NBA so I gotta get used to it.” – Sam Hauser, via Brian Robb of MassLive"

Hauser is a great fit for the Boston Celtics and it’s a mutual feeling between both sides.

"“I decided it was the right fit for me. It’s a good organization and I think they’re going to take time, develop my game, and hopefully [I’ll] get some opportunities throughout the year.” – Sam Hauser, Via Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe"

With second-year standout guard Payton Pritchard missing the remainder of the Celtics’ Summer League, there’s a chance that Hauser will find more opportunities before the league competition comes to an end.