The Boston Celtics are poised for a transformative 2025-26 season, and one player stands ready to seize the spotlight: sharpshooter Sam Hauser. HoopsHype’s Michael Shearer recently dropped a bold prediction, forecasting a breakout campaign for the fifth-year forward, whose elite shooting and untapped potential could reshape the Celtics’ fortunes.
Boston’s offseason was a whirlwind, with roster changes leaving the team leaner but brimming with opportunity. With superstar Jayson Tatum sidelined for the season due to an Achilles injury, the Celtics are in dire need of a new offensive spark. Enter Sam Hauser, a 27-year-old marksman whose path to a starring role has never been clearer.
Over the past three seasons, Hauser has been a reliable fixture, appearing in at least 70 games each year while averaging just under 20 minutes per night. His stat line—8 points per game on 45% field goal shooting and an impressive 42% from beyond the arc—speaks to his consistency. But with key departures and a thinned-out depth chart, Hauser’s role is set to expand dramatically.
The Celtics’ offensive identity is built on launching 3-pointers at a historic clip. In the 2024-25 season, they led the NBA with the most 3-point attempts per game, nearly six more than the second-place Golden State Warriors. On opening night, they tied an NBA record by sinking 29 triples against the New York Knicks. Hauser, who averaged nearly six 3-point attempts per game in just 21.7 minutes last season, is tailor-made for this system.
Shearer predicts Hauser could “soak up more minutes and usage than people expect,” especially if the Celtics move on from guard Anfernee Simons. As Boston’s most reliable remaining sharpshooter, Hauser is poised to fire an “eye-popping” number of 3-pointers, potentially redefining the team’s offensive ceiling.
While Hauser’s shooting is his calling card, his game is far from one-dimensional. His defense, often overlooked, is sturdier than that of the typical shooting specialist. This grit has earned him the trust of head coach Joe Mazzulla, who has steadily increased Hauser’s starts each year since 2021-22. Last season, Hauser started 19 games, and with Tatum out, he could become a fixture in the starting five.
Shearer notes that for Hauser to truly explode, he’ll need to build on the “flashes of slow-steppin’ floor game” he’s shown in limited opportunities. While Hauser isn’t known for his ball-handling, those rare moments when he’s been allowed to create off the dribble hint at untapped potential. If he can add a touch of playmaking to his elite shooting, the $45 million man—signed to a four-year extension in 2024—could become a household name.
Hauser’s rise isn’t just about filling a gap; it’s about seizing a moment. The Celtics’ system, which thrives on spacing and relentless 3-point shooting, is the perfect stage for him to shine. If he maintains his elite 42% 3-point accuracy while taking on a larger role, Hauser could post career-high numbers and cement himself as a cornerstone of Boston’s future.
As the Celtics navigate a challenging season without their star forward, all eyes will be on Hauser to deliver. Shearer’s prediction isn’t just bold—it’s a call to action for a player ready to change everything. Will Sam Hauser step up and become the breakout star Boston needs? The 2025-26 season is his chance to prove it.