The Boston Celtics took a chance Sniper Sam Hauser three years ago, after the 6-foot-7 forward went undrafted out of Virginia, which proved to be a viable path to another NBA opportunity — in the Hauser family — when the Atlanta Hawks took flight of their own on Thursday.
Atlanta has signed Michigan State product Joey Hauser to an Exhibit 10 contract. according to Brad Rowland Hauser, 25, went undrafted in 2023 before settling for a roster spot with the Ontario Clippers, the Los Angeles Clippers’ G League affiliate, averaging 7.1 points and 3.4 rebounds while shooting 42.4 percent from the field and 32.3 percent from 3-point range in 34 games.
Hauser most recently played 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 percent shooting in 13.5 minutes. Hauser’s best performance came on July 12 against the Minnesota Timberwolves — his first opportunity in the 2024 Summer League — in which Hauser scored seven points on 3-of-5 shooting in 15 minutes. New Orleans didn’t seek to retain Hauser, but that brief exhibition stint opened the next door with Atlanta.
Hauser’s older brother is living proof, if there was one, that patience and perseverance are rewarding. Sam Hauser spent 10 games in the 2021-22 season with Boston’s G League affiliate before joining Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown on the court at TD Garden. Hauser’s composure paid off last season when he became a champion after Boston’s NBA Finals victory over the Dallas Mavericks. Just over a month later, Celtics lock up Hauser to a four-year, $45 million contract extension.
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If the Hawks can keep the younger Hauser on board through the 2024-25 season, the brothers will have three opportunities to meet in the regular-season series between Boston and Atlanta — Nov. 4, Nov. 12 (in NBA Cup Group Play) and Jan. 18.
Atlanta ranked sixth in three-point field goals made (13.7) per game and 17th in three-point field goal percentage (36.4 percent) last season while finishing 10th in the Eastern Conference and suffering a play-in tournament elimination.
