Amid the many storylines of the Boston Celtics’ season start, Sam Hauser seemed forgotten. It’s no surprise when the team’s designated “sharpshooter” was ice-cold, hitting just 34.0% from three over 26 games. But his eruption for 5-for-6 from deep and 15 points in Friday’s win over the Miami Heat was a powerful reminder: when Hauser gets hot, everything can change in a flash.
A Shooter’s Confession: “I’ve Started Like This Before”
Sam Hauser
Post-game, Hauser stated calmly: “It’s great to see it go down… It’s just kind of the way the year’s been so far, but I’ve started like this before in past seasons. So, I’m pretty confident on getting back to where I know I can get to.”
His confidence isn’t unfounded. This is, after all, the player who shot 42.0% from three over the past four seasons. Even last year, he had a 1.5-month cold stretch before shooting above 42.6% every month thereafter. For Hauser, it’s not a matter of “if” but “when” his shot returns.
An Internal “Cure” More Valuable Than a Trade?
With trade murmurs ahead of February, Hauser’s re-emergence could be more significant than any acquisition. Why?
Proven Fit: Hauser knows the Celtics’ system, seamlessly integrating into their ball-movement and hard-nosed defensive culture. A new shooter needs time to adapt.
Contagious Effect: As Hauser himself said: “I feel like sometimes shot-making is contagious… you just feed off each other’s energy.” His confidence can spread.
Existing Depth: The Celtics are fortunate to have wing depth with Jordan Walsh, Josh Minott, Hugo Gonzalez, and Baylor Scheierman. They aren’t desperate for external help.
The season is only a couple of months old. Hauser finding his rhythm and confidence as the Celtics seek stability post-injuries could be a priceless gift.
Rather than hastily seeking an expensive, risky external “fix,” sometimes the best solution is patiently waiting for a proven shooter to awaken. The Heat game may be the spark Sam Hauser needs to ignite his entire season, giving the Celtics the most potent weapon they’ve always had: a red-hot Sam Hauser.