'May Soak Up More Minutes And Usage' – Boston Celtics’ Sharp-Shooter Predicted to Have Breakout Season
The Boston Celtics could have an interesting season ahead of them. Their best player, Jayson Tatum, will miss the entire 2025-26 season as he recovers from a torn Achilles tendon. The Celtics also had a good number of quality players who either left in free agency or were traded. No one knows how the 2024 NBA champions’ upcoming campaign will turn out.
Boston traded fan favorite point guard Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers for a younger Anfernee Simons. Star big man Kristaps Porzingis was also traded by the Celtics to the Atlanta Hawks, via a three-team deal. Backup center Luke Kornet wasn’t brought back by the team and signed with the San Antonio Spurs.
With the moves that have happened over the summer, there’s no guarantee that the Celtics will be a competitive team next season. But one thing is for certain: sharpshooter Sam Hauser will have an increased role with the team.
HoopsHype’s Michael Shearer predicted that Hauser will have a great year with the Celtics. He’s set to enter his fifth season in the league and has only averaged below 10 points. But with more playing time next season, Shearer believes the career 42% shooter from downtown will have a breakout year.
“But Hauser may soak up more minutes and usage than people expect, particularly if the Celtics end up trading Anfernee Simons,” Shearer predicts. “Hauser is the team’s most reliable remaining marksman in an offensive system that prizes three-point attempts more than any other. He should get up an eye-popping number of triples next season.
Last season, Hauser appeared in 71 games, averaging 8.5 points and 3.2 rebounds on 41.6% from deep. Without Tatum, the 6-foot-8 wingman could get more opportunities on the floor and develop into one of the best outside shooters.
Boston Celtics’ youngster gave an update on Tatum
Recovering from an Achilles tear is never easy. Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant is likely the only player who has returned from the injury and is still at the top of his game.
The Boston Celtics are making sure Tatum is on the right path for his recovery so he can return to his normal self. Upcoming third-year forward Jordan Walsh gave an encouraging update on the six-time All-Star. According to him, the five-time All-NBA player has been moving around much better than before, which is a good sign for fans and those monitoring his case.
“We’ve seen him so often,” Walsh said. “I’ve seen him from when he messed up his Achilles to now, and it’s a big difference. He’s moving around way better. So, he’s progressing well. I’m definitely happy to see him getting back healthy.”
Walsh also said that Tatum being in the gym encourages him to work on his body and his game.
Chiefs Linked to Former All-Pro WR in Potential Blockbuster Trade: Report
The possibility of Tyreek Hill suiting up for the Kansas City Chiefs again is becoming a very real conversation after a chaotic Week 1.
The Chiefs are thin at wide receiver and the Miami Dolphins stumbled badly out of the gate, falling to the Indianapolis Colts, 33-8.
Considering the issues both teams are facing, a reunion doesn’t feel quite so far-fetched, at least according to one NFL insider.
“Although Hill is signed through 2026, he’s due to make $36 million next year — with a cap number of $51.89 million. It’s highly unlikely he’ll be back after 2025,” Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio wrote on September 8, adding:
“If the ship continues to sink, Hill becomes an asset that can be flipped into a draft pick. For now, there are two teams to watch. First, the Chiefs. For obvious reasons. Hill starred in Kansas City until his desire for more money (and perhaps to not be in the shadow of Patrick Mahomes and/or Travis Kelce) sparked a trade. During his apology tour in advance of Super Bowl LIX, Hill admitted on PFT Live that he sometimes regrets leaving the Chiefs. And the Chiefs could use him, before and after Rashee Rice returns from his six-game suspension.”
A Look at Hill’s Time With the Dolphins Thus Far
Getty The Kansas City Chiefs are once again linked to a Tyreek Hill trade.
In the Dolphins’ Week 1 loss, Hill was limited to four catches for just 40 yards. He dealt with nagging oblique and calf issues throughout training camp, but nothing too serious has impreded him health-wise.
Hill was sensational in 2023, amassing nearly 1,800 yards and 13 touchdowns, but he followed it up with a more modest stat line in 2024: 81 catches for 959 yards and six scores.
Miami’s public stance on trading him hasn’t really changed much — insiders such as Adam Schefter have said Hill isn’t on the trade block “right now.” Teams don’t cut ties with a superstar like Hill in September — at least not after one bad loss. Still, as the season wears on, the balance between keeping Hill and managing their roster’s future could make the team change its mind — especially if the offense continues to sputter.
The salary cap adds a complicated layer for Kansas City. Hill’s 2025 cap hit is a heavy $27.7 million, and the 2026 figure is even more daunting, stretching into the $50 million range unless Miami restructures. Earlier this year, the Dolphins pushed more guaranteed money into future seasons, limiting their flexibility. The Chiefs currently rank 30th out of 32 teams in cap space with just under $2.1 million available, so they’d have to do some big-time fiscal restructuring to make a deal like this happen.
That doesn’t mean Brett Veach won’t pull the trigger on a trade for Tyreek, though.
A Tyreek Hill Reunion Would Give Chiefs a Much-Needed Playmaker for Patrick Mahomes
From Kansas City’s perspective, it’s easy to see why there might be interest in a reunion with Hill. Rice is suspended for the first six games, Xavier Worthy dislocated his shoulder in the season opener and Hollywood Brown doesn’t scare defenses the way Hill does.
Patrick Mahomes can elevate anyone, but he could use a vertical threat who can keep defenses honest. If you’re building a list of contenders desperate enough to overpay, the Chiefs may be near the top.
So, is a reunion realistic? Right now, it’s improbable. But in a league where one bad month can change everything, that could change fast. Miami needs wins to justify keeping its superstar, and Kansas City needs firepower to chase another Lombardi. If the trends keep pointing in opposite directions, don’t be surprised if Hill returns to Kansas City.
