In the latest edition of the “three goals” mini-series, we will be taking a look at Sam Hauser. The third-year sharpshooting wing enjoyed an enhanced role within the Boston Celtics rotation last season and will certainly be looking to carve out some additional minutes in the upcoming season.
Heading into the 2022-23 season, one of the biggest questions surrounding Hauser was whether he could be a viable defensive option, especially as opposing teams looked to hunt him on that side of the floor. Hauser answered those questions with impressive defense throughout the season, cementing him as a 3-and-D wing off Boston’s bench.
Buy Celtics TicketsHowever, Hauser still needs to add more wrinkles to his game if he wants to be seen as a viable option during the postseason. The Celtics have also added multiple new wing players who could challenge his current role on the team.
Here are three goals Hauser should work on throughout the upcoming season.
Improve off-ball movement
Hauser is known for being a sniper from the perimeter. The 6-foot-8 forward is shooting 42% from 3-point range for his career. Hauser has also shown that he can hit threes when coming off screens or when spotting up, either in the corner or on the wing.
However, if Hauser wants to take his game to the next level, he must incorporate some additional off-ball movement. Defenses respect the perimeter shooting Hauser provides and will ensure they always keep a man with them. By learning how and when to cut with purpose, Hauser’s movement would open up scoring opportunities for him and his teammates.
There’s no point in being a great movement shooter when your movement is limited.
Incorporate some mid-range
Opposing defenses are going to close out on Hauser with force. No team in the NBA will feel comfortable letting Boston’s 3-point specialist take uncontested shots from the perimeter. So, Hauser should expect to face tougher defensive coverage in the upcoming season.
As such, the 25-year-old should incorporate some mid-range jumpers into his arsenal. As defenses close out, Hauser should work on taking one or two dribbles before hitting pull-up jumpers to punish such intense defense. If the third-year forward can consistently punish teams for throwing rapid close-outs his way, he will find that scoring opportunities will begin to open up for him, one way or another.
Become a versatile screener
Another way Hauser could look to leverage his scoring gravity is by becoming a versatile screener. Setting a plethora of different screens will force defenses into switching the action, allowing Hauser to score on mismatches or drag a defense out of shape, allowing the ball-handler to go to work and apply additional pressure on the interior.
Being among the best shooters in the NBA will allow Hauser to have an impact on Boston’s overall spacing, rim pressure, and drive-and-kick offense, especially if he’s creating havoc with his screening, cutting, and the way in which he attacks close-outs off the dribble.
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