When looking ahead to the upcoming campaign for the Boston Celtics, so much of the focus is on whether Payton Pritchard or Anfernee Simons will start alongside Derrick White. There has also been much chatter about the center position. EuroBasket has given Neemias Queta, the frontrunner for that role, a spotlight before he arrives for training camp.
However, who starts at forward along with Jaylen Brown is less talked about. The most likely answer is that distinction goes to Sam Hauser. The six-foot-eight sharpshooter started in 19 of the 71 regular-season games he appeared in last year.
Hauser is a bit undersized to join the first unit at the four spot. That will put increased pressure on Queta or whoever is patrolling the pivot, and Boston's ability to work as a team to keep opponents from generating multiple chances.
While the four-year veteran isn't a traditional stretch-four, his presence in the starting lineup would give the Celtics more offensive firepower. He has shot over 40 percent every season of his career. In the 2024-25 campaign, he hoisted 5.6 threes per contest and converted them at a 41.6 percent clip.
The underrated part of Sam Hauser's game
Hauser is a better defender than many appreciate. It took a while for that to show last season due to lower back pain that would flare up at times. But as that became less of a hindrance, his effectiveness as an on-ball defender increased.
The 27-year-old forward has the strength to absorb contact with his chest and stay in front of his assignment without giving up an angle to get downhill. He is also a disciplined defender who doesn't get too handsy and beat himself with bad gambles. He is also more mobile than one might give him credit for.
There are also underrated aspects of Hauser's game on offense. While his three-point prowess is his best on-court ability, he also has a nose for the ball when swooping in for long rebounds. He also showed increased comfort making plays off the dribble last season.
In the modern NBA, one-dimensional sharpshooters are getting phased out. It's harder than ever for individuals who can't at least make a play when forced to put the ball on the floor to carve out a role as a rotation fixture.
Hauser joining the first unit would spark questions about the Celtics being undersized. However, in this author's opinion, his inclusion in the starting five is what's best for the team.