The Boston Celtics sit atop NBA history with 18 championship banners. After retaining their core roster, they enter the 2024-25 season as clear favorites to repeat. Their roster continuity positions them to become the NBA’s first back-to-back champions since the Golden State Warriors. A recent franchise sale added new stability off the court. Majority ownership shifted to Bill Chisholm, ending Wyc Grousbeck’s tenure. This transition comes at a crucial time as the harsh realities of the 2023 CBA hit. Boston’s top-heavy salary structure faces serious challenges.
Jaylen Brown’s $303 million extension signaled tough choices ahead. Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porzingis all carry $30 million-plus cap hits. Derrick White isn’t far behind. Simply put, Boston is expensive. Role players must produce while remaining affordable.
Sam Hauser Emerged as the Ideal Role Player
Sam Hauser became a crucial piece in Boston’s title run. His shooting fits perfectly in the team’s three-point-heavy offense. Hauser is a career 42.0% shooter from deep on 4.8 attempts per game
Defensively, he proved reliable. In 2022-23, the Celtics were 2.2 points better per 100 possessions with Hauser on the floor. That number improved to 2.8 in 2023-24. Hauser’s growth turned him into a fan favorite and a coach’s dream.
Boston rewarded him with a four-year, $45 million extension beginning in 2025-26. The deal was deserved based on production and value. However, under the new CBA’s harsh apron penalties, even fair contracts cause problems.
Chris Mannix Predicts Hauser’s Departure
Mannix doubled down on his prediction. “I think Sam Hauser is probably gone. The second he signed that contract… there’s no way.”
Hauser’s contract is now a luxury the Celtics cannot afford. Despite his contributions, financial realities force Boston’s hand.
Baylor Scheierman Is the Celtics Replacement For Hauser
Boston already drafted Hauser’s replacement—Baylor Scheierman. Mannix revealed the team’s surprising confidence in the rookie.
“They drafted Baylor… They must have really believed in him,” Mannix explained. “Maybe he can be the cheap alternative to Sam Hauser
Scheierman, a 24-year-old rookie, fits Boston’s mold. The 6’6” forward exploded with 20 points on 7-for-8 shooting against Brooklyn. That performance put him on the radar of casual Celtics fans.
Boston values players who shoot the three well. It’s why they moved on from defensive specialist Jaden Springer. Scheierman’s early NBA numbers aren’t stellar—31.1% from three on 2.0 attempts per game.
However, his shooting history provides hope. In 14 G-League regular season games, he hit 41.1% from deep on 10.1 attempts per game. His five-year college career shows similar consistency—39.0% on 5.6 attempts per game.
The shot is there. Boston believes he simply needs time to adjust.
The Celtics’ championship window is wide open. However, staying competitive under the new CBA demands painful roster decisions. Hauser’s extension clashes with financial survival.
Scheierman offers the perfect alternative—a cheap, skilled shooter who fits Boston’s style. If his development continues, the swap becomes inevitable.
Boston fans should prepare. Barring a miracle, Baylor Scheierman will soon replace Hauser. The Celtics plan to stay dominant—and financially responsible—by making smart moves like this one.