Wednesday, 98.5 The Sports Hub's Zolak and Bertrand aired live from the Auerbach Center. An appearance from Sam Cassell included the four-time NBA champion sharing that the start of the Boston Celtics' training camp has blown him away.
Joe Mazzulla also stopped by the show. While on the air with co-hosts Scott Zolak and Marc Bertrand, Boston's bench boss got asked about his perspective on Sam Hauser.
Joe Mazzulla to @ZoandBertrand on Sam Hauser:
— Bobby Krivitsky (@BobbyKrivitsky) October 2, 2025
"He's a guy that makes people around him better with or without the ball...When he's involved in plays, whether it's offensively or defensively, the efficiency outcome is great." pic.twitter.com/1blDUyRQUa
"It feels to us like you're going to see a lot more Sammy Hauser this year; give me something on Sam Hauser," asked Zolak.
"One, he's a great player. I think he's a really good two-way player," responded Mazzulla. "I've said this even back in Summer League when I coached him five years ago or whatever, that he's a much better defender than people think.
"He's a guy that makes people around him better with or without the ball. And he obviously has an innate skill to shoot. But I think, also, a skill is, can you make people around you better? Can you make the situation better on both ends? And when he's involved in plays, whether it's offensively or defensively, the efficiency outcome is great. I just think he's a well-rounded, balanced player, and he impacts winning at a high level."
Sam Hauser is a much better defender than given credit for
Many opposing perimeter players have targeted Hauser on switches. However, when they get their chance to challenge him in an isolation situation, it doesn't go as they had envisioned.
What often happens is that fans watch an individual try to "get in their bag," only to fail to shake Hauser and have the latter challenge a mid-range fadeaway jump shot that misses the mark.
Hauser also has the mobility to keep his assignment in front of him. Plus, he has the strength to defend with his arms spread and his chest out. He can absorb contact without becoming detached from a player driving downhill.
The Celtics may change their starting lineup based on the matchup. However, Hauser joining the first unit on the floor for tip-off figures to be a common occurrence. He'll give them another trusted two-way player who can help pick up the slack caused by Boston's roster makeover and Jayson Tatum's Achilles tear.
It's a career ascension within an organization, for which Hauser expressed his gratitude at media day. "Even if I were shipped, I have no hard feelings here," he said of the possibility of the Celtics trading him during the offseason. "They gave me an opportunity when no one else did. They extended me," he noted, adding, "I'm glad I'm here, to say the least."