Celtics Secure Future with Hauser Extension

The echoes of the 2024 NBA Championship are still reverberating across Boston, and the Celtics are making sure that the reigning champions pave their way to a strong future.

One such move is the recent four-year contract extension handed sharpshooter Sam Hauser. In this exploration, it details the importance of this extension, looking at how Hauser impacts the Celtics and his forecasted growth and strategy of the team.

From Undrafted Gem to Champion: Hauser’s Rise to Prominence

Certainly, the path to the NBA was not a very common route for Sam Hauser, who was born in 1992. Although he displayed electrifying athleticism on both the high school basketball court and the football field, it was on the diamond as a shortstop that he chose to continue his collegiate career at Louisiana State University. His natural shooting ability didn’t go unnoticed for very long. He became a full-time basketball player who honed his skills at LSU.

Despite all of his display of spectacular shooting, Hauser went undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft. The Boston Celtics, however, still saw a bit of potential in the young player and signed him up for a two-way contract. This gave Hauser the opportunity to prove himself by constantly bouncing between the Celtics and the G-League affiliate of the Celtics, which was the Maine Celtics. His continuous improvement and undeniable shooting prowess did not slide unnoticed past the eyes of the coaching staff.

By the 2023-24 season, Hauser had carved out a regular role in the rotation for the Celtics. His value extended beyond the box score. Off the bench, he brought a much-needed jolt of energy, a reliable catch-and-shoot threat, and a defense that greatly surprised most expectations.

Hauser Beyond the Box Score: A Strategic Fit

Though Hauser’s per-game averages may not jump off the page (9.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in the 2023-24 season), his worth to the Celtics goes far beyond basic stat lines. A deeper look at what he brings to the table:

Spacing and Shooting: Hauser is going to bring much-needed floor spacing to the Celtics’ offense. He’s not a guy where defenders can sag off; rather, his three-point shooting opens up the lanes for driving for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, their star duo. This gets other shooters—Al Horford and Derrick White—better looks.

Better Defense: Not particularly known for his defense, Hauser has at least demonstrated the willingness to learn and adapt to situations. With his length and athleticism, he has a presence on the perimeter defensively at multiple spots. He has improved in on-ball defense and rotations, so he is of value to both ends of the court.

Championship Mentality: Having been part of the championship team in his first year with the Celtics, Hauser knows what it takes in terms of commitment and level of work to win at the highest level. His experience as a champion will be an asset in their quest to repeat.

Investing in the Future: Projecting Hauser’s Growth

Hauser’s new contract says a lot about the confidence that the Celtics have in his upside. For a starter who has been able to help hold down a role, he still has further steps of improvement, such as, shot creation. While he is known for being a catch-and-shoot guy, adding some off-the-dribble moves would give him more diversity as a threat.

Gaining confidence in his ball handling will allow him to attack closeouts with much better efficiency and create scoring opportunities not just for himself, but for others too.

The continuity in focus and defensive effort from start to finish will completely bond his value as a dependable two-way player.

Building a Dynasty: The Celtics’ Strategic Vision

The Hauser extension is all about the long-term vision of the Celtics in terms of building a championship caliber team. Having this young player with great talent locked up for the long term enables him to grow with the core of Tatum, Brown, and Smart, which positions them with complementary pieces like Hauser to be contenders for years to come.

Beyond Stats: The Fan Favorite Factor

Fans simply love Sam Hauser. He wasn’t some top draft pick; he carved his way through hard work and dedication. In general, it’s the energy, work ethic, and humble attitude that have won over fans in Boston.

Hauser’s contract extension is a win-win situation both for the player and the team. The Celtics lock in another important piece of their championship core, while Hauser can continue developing with some of the league’s best players. He is undeniably present on the Celtics if Hauser stays committed to his role and continues to improve his skills.