Report: Boston Celtics sign Sam Hauser to Two-Way deal

The Boston Celtics stood pat in this year’s NBA Draft. The team used its 45th pick to select Juhann Begarin, and the Celtics managed to add a second rookie in the form of Sam Hauser from the undrafted ranks. The 6-foot-8 wing will reportedly join the team on a Two-Way contract for the upcoming season, sources told CelticsBlog’s Keith Smith.

Hauser comes out of college with considerable shooting pedigree, having flirted with a 50/40/90 stat line this past season for Virginia Cavaliers. Hauser ended his maiden season with the Cavaliers shooting 50.3% from the field, 41.7% from deep, and 89.6% from the free-throw line.

At 23-years-old, Hauser comes into the league as a player with limited room for developmental growth after spending four years in the collegiate ranks (technically five), the sharpshooter spent three years at Marquette before transferring to Virginia and redshirting the 2019-20 season.

Despite Hauser going undrafted, the forward was still garnering interest from multiple NBA teams, but he ultimately chose to accept the Celtics two-way offer and will be joining the team’s Summer League squad in the coming weeks. Interestingly, Hauser opted against a reported offer from the Miami Heat, who have a recent history in developing undrafted scoring talent such as former Celtic Max Strus and the impressive Kendrick Nunn and Duncan Robinson.

The Celtics two-way spots have recently belonged to diminutive point guard Tremont Waters and fan favorite big man Tacko Fall, and it remains to be seen if either of those players will be returning to the Celtics for a third consecutive two-way season.

Boston’s Summer League roster will now boast two intriguing prospects, with Hauser and Yam Madar both slated to make their professional debuts in Vegas with their first game scheduled for August 8th. Hauser will also be part of the inaugural season for the Celtics G-League affiliate since their rebrand to the Maine Celtics earlier this season.

Despite the limited opportunities afforded to two-way players on teams with contention hopes, Hauser’s ability to score off the dribble, and his quick release jumper, could mean he makes an impact as a floor stretching wing if and when he’s afforded playing time for the Celtics.