The Boston Celtics took a chance on sharpshooter Sam Hauser three years ago after the 6-foot-7 forward went undrafted out of Virginia, which proved itself to be a viable route to landing an NBA opportunity yet again -- in the Hauser household -- when the Atlanta Hawks took a flier of their own Thursday.
Atlanta signed Michigan State product Joey Hauser to an Exhibit 10 contract, according to Brad Rowland of Dime on UPROXX. Hauser, 25, went undrafted in 2023 before settling for a roster spot on the Ontario Clippers, the G League affiliate of the Los Angeles Clippers, averaging 7.1 points and 3.4 rebounds, shooting 42.4% from the field and 32.3% from 3-point range in 34 games.
Hauser most recently suited up for the New Orleans Pelicans in this year's Las Vegas Summer League, logging four appearances while averaging three points and 1.5 rebounds on 50% shooting in 13.5 minutes. Hauser's best showcase performance came on July 12 against the Minnesota Timberwolves -- his first 2024 Summer League opportunity -- in which Hauser scored seven points on 3-of-5 shooting in 15 minutes. New Orleans didn't pursue keeping Hauser, but the brief exhibition stint opened the next door with Atlanta.
Hauser's older brother, if anything, is living proof of the reward for patience and persistence. Sam Hauser spent 10 games during the 2021-22 season with Boston's G League affiliate before he joined Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown on TD Garden's parquet. Hauser's poise paid off last season when he became a champion after Boston's NBA Finals victory over the Dallas Mavericks. A little over a month later, the Celtics locked in Hauser to a four-year, $45 million contract extension.
If the Hawks do keep the younger Hauser on board throughout the 2024-25 season, the two brothers will have three opportunities to meet during Boston and Atlanta's regular-season series -- on Nov. 4, Nov. 12 (in NBA Cup Group Play) and on Jan. 18.
Atlanta ranked sixth in threes made (13.7) per game and 17th in 3-point percentage (36.4%) last season while finishing as the No. 10 seed in the Eastern Conference and enduring a Play-In Tournament elimination.
