Boston Celtics Report Cards: Forwards get two elite grades, one good one

Celtics Player Grades: Sam Hauser

Sam Hauser, the third-year sharpshooting wing, has improved every season in the league. The 2023-24 season was no different, as he averaged 9.0 points and 3.5 rebounds, which were both career highs.

The Wisconsin native shot 45% from the floor overall and 42% from three on 5.9 attempts. His 90% shooting from the foul line was also a career-high.

The season featured a game where he made 10 threes in three quarters against the Washington Wizards, and his defense became above average to the point where opposing teams could no longer see him as the weak link to exploit.

The playoffs saw his role cut as the rotation was shortened. He still played around 15 minutes a night in all 19 playoff games and averaged 5.4 points on 38% shooting from three-point land.

Hauser hit 11 three-pointers in five games against the Dallas Mavericks, helping lift the Celtics to their 18th championship in franchise history. The forward elevated his game for the Finals, averaging 8.2 points and 3.0 boards per game on 52% shooting overall, 48% from distance, and 100% from the foul line.

He proved worth keeping around for the long haul, as he inked a four-year, $45 million contract extension with the Celtics this summer.

Final Grade: B+