Boston forward Sam Hauser may be giving the Celtics a bigger boost than any trade deadline move could provide. After enduring a prolonged shooting slump, the 42 percent career three-point specialist connected on 5-of-6 attempts in Friday’s win over the Miami Heat, pushing optimism inside the locker room that his trademark accuracy is back on track.
“It’s great to see it go down,” Hauser said postgame. “I’ve started slow before in past seasons, so I’m confident I’ll get back to where I know I can be.” He entered the night hitting just 34 percent from long range but has experienced similar midseason turnarounds, including a surge to 42.6 percent or better in every month after mid-December last year.
Tatum Recovery, Brown Illness
Teammate Jaylen Brown voiced strong faith that Jayson Tatum will return this season despite tearing his Achilles. During a livestream with rapper DDG earlier this week, Brown said, “JT just always recovers. He’ll probably break the record for fastest recovery in Achilles history or some (expletive). I wouldn’t put it past him.”
Brown himself missed Saturday’s matchup in Toronto because of a non-COVID illness after posting 30 points, nine rebounds and seven assists the night before.
Walsh and Queta Extension Possibilities
Early production from rookies Jordan Walsh and Neemias Queta has the front office considering long-term commitments, according to a mailbag column by MassLive. The team holds a $2.4 million option on Walsh for 2026-27 but could decline it in favor of a multi-year deal that would keep him from unrestricted free agency in 2027. Queta is not extension-eligible until next season, yet club officials may act quickly if his current form holds.
Walsh logged fewer than 13 minutes against the Raptors on Saturday. Head coach Joe Mazzulla explained afterward that the reduced role was tied to an illness Walsh had been battling prior to tipoff.
The Celtics resume play early next week, hoping Hauser’s revived marksmanship and Brown’s return to full health can keep them atop the Eastern Conference standings.
Source: Hoops Rumors
