The Celtics‘ confidence in Sam Hauser was rewarded Sunday when he poured in 20 points while making his third career start, writes Brian Robb of MassLive. Boston could have sought a replacement for Hauser or moved him out of town before the trade deadline, but the organization opted to stick with the second-year forward despite a prolonged shooting slump.
Injuries to other rotation members have given Hauser expanded playing time lately, and he’s capitalizing on the opportunity. Over the past three games, he is shooting 57% from three-point range and averaging 15.3 PPG.
“I know I’m starting because guys are out,” Hauser said. “I get that. But it definitely — it’s definitely really cool for me, personally. You dream of stuff like this when you grow up, being on an NBA team, starting on an NBA team, let alone and it’s kind of happening right now, which is kind of cool. So, personally, it’s pretty cool. Definitely, I’m seeing a little more minutes right now, which is great, too, for confidence-boosting. And some shots are going through and overall just feeling great.”
There’s more on the Celtics:
- Boston missed out on two potential buyout additions over the weekend when Danny Green agreed to sign with Cleveland and Terrence Ross committed to Phoenix, Robb notes in a separate story. The Celtics were rumored to have interest in both players, and team president Brad Stevens said a decision on an open roster spot will be made soon. “You’ll look at it and you will decide, okay, is there somebody that fits that need and who’s really excited to be here if that’s the case,” Stevens said. “Or is it do you feel like you’ve got that all filled and maybe invest in a younger player. And so we’re going to assess all that over the next few days and try to figure it out.”
- Coach Joe Mazzulla isn’t upset about comments from reserve guard Payton Pritchard, who said he had hoped to be traded so he could get more playing time, according to Jared Weiss of The Athletic. Mazzulla sees Pritchard’s frustration as a sign of competitiveness. “I’m happy Payton is expressing himself and the honesty that he speaks with,” he said. “I think it’s important to talk about that stuff because at the end of the day, I trust him completely and regardless of his circumstances, he’s always ready to play.”
- Jaylen Brown is out of action with a facial fracture he suffered on Wednesday, but he hasn’t given up hope of playing in the All-Star Game, per Tim Bontemps of ESPN. Brown said doctors have determined that he won’t need surgery, and he’ll be wearing a mask whenever he returns.
Pritchard works pretty much every second he is out there. A malcontent he is not.
What basis would the HC have to be upset with PP? A trade would obviously open up better possibilities for him in his career, yet he (rightly, as a player under contract) didn’t demand one or apparently even request one. That’s not enough? Him merely hoping that the team elects to do something which results in a better situation for him is somehow seen as potentially problematic.
Yes, Pritchard plays hard but he gets beat on defense often! If he wants more playing time then work harder on defense! If you to win then stay! If you want more time and lose, then move on!
For a guy that’s 6-1 and 5th in the team’s guard depth chart you really can’t ask for a better option.
Sure,he’ll get switched onto certain bigger players that end up scoring but he’s more than held his own with a 105 defensive rating this season.
link to nba.com
His overall defense has been very good to great.
hmm according to stats on basketball reference his defensive rating is 115 which is worst on the team unless you include two way player Kabengele. They also have him ranked worst of all current Celtics for offensive rating at 102 except for two way player JD Davidson.
i’m going by what’s on the NBA website, his defensive rating is 105.2/offense is 106.3.
Both ratings can be found on this page
link to nba.com
This link should have both off/def ratings. on page 8 #396 is where Pritchard sits in case it reverts back to #1.
link to nba.com
Say what? Celtics Coach puts Payton Pritchard in when he wants to stop some hot opponent guard! Did you see him harass Tyler Herro? He’s short but Payton stays in front of the opponent’s hot guard better than most. I like his defense. Go Celtics!
Is there any chance Gallo plays this season or is he cooked?
they pretty much had him ruled out for the season but he’s hoping to be ready during the playoffs but it would probably be 2nd round if lucky.
Celtics look good. They have a deep team. And good chemistry. I still see a healthy Bucks team. As the team to beat in the East.
East and West playoffs will be competitive this yr. Should be fun…..