There’s no one path to becoming an NBA player. College players are more empowered than ever, the international circuit is growing in prominence, and the G League is providing an important alternative and route for players hoping to make the Association. Boston Celtics wing Sam Hauser is a perfect example of why opportunities matter.
Hauser spent three seasons at Marquette before transferring to play his senior year with Virginia, earning All-ACC honors in 2021. After going undrafted that spring, he inked a two-way deal with the Celtics, splitting time between Boston and Portland. This past summer Hauser signed a three-year, $6 million contract with the Boston Celtics.
Celtics Wire recently caught up with Hauser at a fan event on the North Shore to discuss his journey and how it informs his daily approach to basketball.
“I think it’s just a true grind,” Hauser said. “You appreciate it each and every day and nothing is given. I think that’s what my mindset has been kind of my whole life, just working and working and hopefully it works out.”
Hauser is averaging 15.6 minutes per game, turning in 6.1 points and 2.5 rebounds a night. More importantly, Hauser is connecting on 42% of his 3-pointers. His shooting prowess is especially important to a Celtics team predicated on floor spacing.
That shooting is a point of emphasis for Boston’s new head coach Joe Mazzulla, who has Boston ranked among the league’s top offenses. Now the high-octane Celtics are gearing up for a deep postseason run.
“I think we’re in a good spot,” Hauser said. “We’ve got just a few games left now. We’re trying to do the little things the right way. And I’m trying to find a groove for the playoffs.”
It hasn’t always been a smooth ride. Boston has had a few stretches this season that have cast doubt over the team’s readiness for the spring. The commentary around the Celtics hasn’t always been positive, either, but the chatter doesn’t bother Hauser.
“To be honest, we don’t really listen too much to the noise,” Hauser said. “We just worry about what’s going on in the room, what our coaches say, and what our players are saying.”
The Celtics are firmly in the mix and have a good shot at making a return to the Finals this spring. But whatever happens next for Boston, Hauser isn’t taking anything for granted, especially a chance to play for such a passionate fanbase.
“Celtics Nation is great,” Hauser said. “They’re prideful. They love their basketball. They’re knowledgeable about basketball, which is a big difference from other fanbases.”
“They’re loud every night and they pack the Garden,” Hauser added. “We love them.”
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