Jayson Tatum and Sam Hauser on the court together? Turns out, that’s where the real magic happens for the Boston Celtics offense. Forget the noise about new talent, the numbers are screaming that Hauser isn’t just a role player, he’s a vital piece.
The Tatum Effect Is No Joke
You hear chatter about a player elevating another, but for Sam Hauser and Jayson Tatum, the stats are legit. According to StatMuse, Hauser clocks in at a 40.3% clip from three-point land in games Tatum didn’t play. But when Tatum did hit the court, Hauser’s three-point percentage actually jumped to a scorching 41.7%! That’s not a fluke, that’s a connection.
And it gets better. Databallr pulled the numbers since the 2022-23 season, showing the Celtics offensive rating sitting at 121.2 when Tatum is out there without Hauser. But when those two share the floor? That rating skyrockets to 123.7. Seriously, that’s a huge bump! The team’s gonna roll with “Jayson Tatum plus the bench” lineups this year, and you bet your last dollar Hauser’s gotta be in there. His spacing is absolutely crucial for those groups.
Look, the guy is still Boston’s best catch and shoot threat. His ability to hit standing still or off movement is gold. Defenses simply cannot ignore him, or they’ll get burned. Even in the Celtics’ first preseason game, Hauser came off the bench, dropped 11 points on 4/6 from the field and 3/5 from three in just 21 minutes. They’re already using him in different ways, which is a smart move.
Young Guns Are Coming, But Hauser’s Shot Keeps Him On The Island
Yeah, the Celtics have been loading up on wings in recent drafts, picking up Jordan Walsh, Baylor Scheierman, and Hugo Gonzalez in 2023, 2024, and 2025. With Jayson Tatum and Paul George locked in as starters on the wing, it certainly makes Sam Hauser’s role look a little murky. These young guys are good, and they definitely bring things Hauser doesn’t.
Walsh, Scheierman, and Gonzalez are all better defenders, they’re better at offensive rebounding, and both Scheierman and Gonzalez have shown they can handle the ball more than Hauser. We know “Hauser Island” isn’t exactly a defensive paradise, and he’s not known for his dribbling wizardry, but that’s not his game. Last year, his 39% from three was his career worst, but let’s be real, that’s still a very good number. For a team that lives and dies by the three-pointer, Hauser’s shooting is still incredibly valuable.
His pure shooting is the reason he’s still a Celtic, plain and simple. Even though he’s on a very tradable contract, owed $35 million, the unique value he brings with his shot, especially alongside Tatum, is undeniable. The question isn’t if he matters, it’s how Boston maximizes that elite shooting touch with all this new talent.
So, as the season gets rolling, keep an eye on those Tatum-Hauser minutes. That’s where you’ll see the Celtics offense truly hum, and it’s going to be essential for them to find that rhythm. He might not be the flashiest guy, but Sam Hauser’s shot is a weapon they can’t afford to keep holstered.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Celtics Blog.
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