Celtics' 2021 gamble continues to pay dividends

The Boston Celtics signed Sam Hauser to a two-way contract in 2021. The sharpshooting forward had gone undrafted despite narrowly missing out on the coveted 50/40/90 statline during his final collegiate season with the Virginia Cavaliers. 

Since joining the Celtics, Hauser has proved himself to be one of the best movement shooters in the NBA. He quickly impressed Boston's coaching staff, earning him a full-scale deal before the end of his rookie season. Then, in just his third year in the league, he played a key role in Boston's stampede to a championship.

Hauser took to the court for 79 regular-season games and all 19 of Boston's postseason contests. He averaged 9.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.0 assist per contest while knocking down perimeter shots at a 42.4% clip. That level of production, coupled with its ever-improving defense, convinced Brad Stevens to sign him to a four-year $45 million contract extension this summer, which is fully guaranteed. 

During a recent meet-and-greet at North Shore Mall in Boston, Hauser discussed his recent contract extension. 

"Pretty special that they gave me an opportunity early on when nobody else did and I just tried to run with it,” Hauser said. “They believed in me, and I’m just glad I can be here and be with this team and have another chance to win it all."