Michigan State forward Joey Hauser signs two-way deal with Utah Jazz

Michigan State forward Joey Hauser has signed a two-way deal with Utah Jazz. He is the brother of Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser.

The 6-foot-9 sharpshooter played 34.1 minutes per game this season for the Spartans, averaging 14.4 points, 7.0 rebounds and 46.1% shooting from beyond the arc.

Hauser was the No. 74 overall recruit and No. 22 small forward in the 2018 recruiting class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He played high school ball at Stevens Point (Wisc.) Stevens Point Area Senior.

He played his first season at Marquette before transferring to Michigan State. For his college career, Hauser averaged 10.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per contest while shooting 41.6% from beyond the 3-point line.

His brother also went undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft but has caught on with the Celtics. He was originally signed on a two-way deal but his contract was converted to a regular deal during his rookie season. He then signed a three-year, $6 million deal last offseason. 

Sam Hauser played in 80 games this past season for Boston, averaging 6.9 minutes per game.

Joey Hauser joins three Utah Jazz draft picks

The Utah Jazz had three first round picks in the 2023 NBA Draft, ending up with UCF forward Taylor Hendricks, Baylor guard Keyonte George and Ohio State forward Brice Sensabaugh as their selections.

Hendricks was chosen with the first of Utah’s three picks at No. 9 overall. In his one year with the Knights, Hendricks averaged 15.1 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists for the season. He shot 39.4% from three on 4.6 attempts per game.

“They like to play big,” Hendricks said. “They like big lineups. They like moving Lauri (Markkanen) to the 3. I feel like I could fit in that team really well because they have a lot of length, so I’m going to be right with them. My shooting ability could really help them out, as well.”

George was selected with the No. 16 overall pick in the draft by Utah. Sensabaugh was the No. 28 selection.

Like Hendricks, both were freshman this past season. George was the Big 12 Freshman of the Year as he averaged 15.3 points and 4.2 rebounds per game.

“I know they’re going to get an all-around player,” George said. “Continue to compete each and every day. Just going to play winning basketball.”