The Boston Celtics don't seem to mind that they rank among the least efficient three-point shooting teams in the NBA. A proven juggernaut from beyond the arc, Boston is attempting to overcome the loss of five key players by playing the way that worked when they were present.
If the Celtics are going to avoid the disaster that could result from such a polarizing approach, then unsung hero Sam Hauser will need to continue saving them.
Boston currently ranks No. 1 in the NBA in three-point field goal attempts per game—much as it did in 2023-24 and 2024-25. It's fallen no lower than No. 2 in that regard during any of Joe Mazzulla's three completed season as head coach.
Unfortunately, Boston is currently No. 25 in three-point field goal percentage, which goes a long way toward explaining the slow start to the 2025-26 season.
Four Celtics are currently shooting at least 40.0 percent from beyond the arc, but no other player on the roster is converting better than 28.6 percent of their attempts. That drastic difference between the top four shooters and the rest of the roster is alarming, as the law of averages would suggest they'll meet in the middle and perhaps not necessarily improve all that much on the current team figure.
Thankfully, if there's one player the Celtics can trust to provide the shooting they need throughout the 2025-26 season it's Hauser.
Celtics are pretending nothing has changed—Sam Hauser can save them
Hauser spent his first four NBA seasons strengthening his reputation as one of the best shooters in the world. He's buried no worse than 41.6 percent of his attempts from distance through four completed campaigns, and has done so while maintaining impressive volume.
Through 262 games played, Hauser boasts career averages of 2.1 three-point field goals made per game and 4.0 conversions per 36 minutes on 42.1 percent shooting.
Hauser has taken his game to another level early in 2025-26, averaging 11.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 3.5 three-point field goals made in a career-high 24.2 minutes per game. He's also shooting 43.8 percent from beyond the arc.
While a player such as Jaylen Brown is shooting 12.7 percent better from beyond the arc than his career average, Hauser is just 1.7 percent above his own.
It's a vital development for a Celtics team that needs him on the court as often as possible. Hauser is a 6'7" wing capable of playing multiple positions, which has never been more important to the health and balance of Mazzulla's rotation.
6'1" Payton Pritchard, 6'3" Anfernee Simons, and 6'4" Derrick White will all play major minutes with the expectation of efficient shooting, which makes Hauser's size and shooting an essential combination.
Rather than relying on three undersized sharpshooters to space the floor at every turn, Hauser can offer ideal size in certain defensive matchups. Moreover, he can be utilized at multiple positions on offense to exploit teams with more traditional lineups without the risk of extreme downswings on the other end of the floor.
Boston's overall efficiency should improve as the season progresses, but Hauser is the constant for them who can stabilize its efforts.