The one thing that could make Sam Hauser’s contract the best in the NBA

There are plenty of great deals around the league. Outside of players on rookie contracts, guys like Jalen Brunson, Coby White, and Donte DiVincenzo stand out. But Sam Hauser is in the conversation, too. And his performance in the Boston Celtics’ 130-104 preseason win over the Denver Nuggets proved why.

Hauser bounced back from a rough Friday performance with an elite showing on Sunday in Abu Dhabi. He finished the game with 15 points and eight rebounds while shooting 6-of-7 from the floor. He was perfect prior to his final shot of the contest, and he didn’t miss from behind the arc (3-of-3).

But the stats aren’t going to make his contract the best in the NBA.

Sam Hauser showed off expanded skill set in Celtics win over Nuggets

While Hauser’s three-point shooting is always going to lead the conversation, it’s not what will make his contract elite. It’s all the other things.

Hauser was perfect from three on Sunday, but his other shots stole the show. Rather than simply standing behind the three-point line and waiting for others to make plays for him, he took the onus on himself.

Time and time again, Hauser was able to put the ball on the floor, drive inside, and get a good shot up in one-on-one coverage. His mid-range fadeaway in the post was money, and if he can drive close-outs, it will open up a ton of options for Boston’s offense.

That’s the start of what will make Hauser’s contract the best in the league.

Hauser is already a stellar defender, especially considering how often opponents are willing to challenge him. Add in his three-point shooting, and that makes him a top-notch role player.

But if he can consistently put the ball on the floor and make plays for himself, it would elevate his value tenfold. Then, if he can parlay his drives and ball-handling into making plays for others, his contract would become the best in the league.

The Celtics inked Hauser to a new deal this summer—a four-year, $45 million contract. That means he’s making an average of $11.25 million per season. That’s on par with players like Maxi Kleber, Gabe Vincent, Terence Mann, and Wendell Carter Jr.

Last season, Hauser averaged 9.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists while shooting 44.6% from the floor and 42.4% from behind the arc.

Those numbers are already great, especially considering he only played 22.0 minutes per game, but they could get even better next year.

If Hauser makes more plays off the dribble, his assist numbers may improve. And if he’s comfortable doing more than catching and shooting, there’s no reason he could pour in a few more points per game, too.

For the next four years, Hauser will be on one of the best contracts in the league. But if he continues to expand his offensive game like he showed glimpses of against the Nuggets, it will become the best.