Sam Hauser did not mince words when he described the atmosphere inside the Celtics training camp this week. The sharpshooter called it the most competitive environment he has faced in his entire six-year career.
Hauser Sees a New Level of Push
The energy on the court has shifted, and everyone on the roster feels the heat. According to reporters, Hauser stated that the “level of competitiveness has been really high” throughout the recent five-on-five drills. He knows the team has had good camps before, but this one stands out. “I know we’ve had some competitive training camps, but this is up there with — this is my sixth one and it might be the most competitive at this point,” Hauser said in comments reported by NESN.
This push comes from the players themselves, not just the coaching staff. Hauser noted that “So everybody is pushing each other” to get better every single day. That internal pressure is exactly what championship teams need before the regular season starts. The accountability is real, and it shows in how hard they play during practice.
Mazzulla Brings Military Discipline to Charleston
The Celtics traveled south to Charleston to set up camp at The Citadel, a military school established back in 1842. This marks the first time in nearly a decade the team has held training camp outside of Massachusetts. Head coach Joe Mazzulla wanted a change of scenery to build a specific type of culture. “A little bit of it was other teams have been here before,” Mazzulla explained regarding the move to Charleston.
Mazzulla has a clear reason for choosing a military academy for their base. He told the press, “I really enjoy military leadership” and added that he learns from it a lot. The setup at McAlister Field House provides the right vibe for team building. “They have a good environment set up on how to have great hospitality for that,” Mazzulla said. The coach values the focus on accountability that comes from this unique setting.
Players Step Up to Lead the Way
The shift in culture means players are taking charge of their own development. Hauser praised the group for speaking up more often than in years past. “I think a lot of different guys are speaking up, which I think is a good thing,” he stated. This is a sign of a team ready to fight for every loose ball.
When players hold each other accountable, the coaching staff can focus on strategy rather than discipline. Mazzulla emphasized that “Talk to their people there and emphasis on team building” was key to the decision. The result is a squad that is ready to work hard. “Where you can hear from a player, as opposed to a coach all the time. And I think, the more we can have players speak up and call each other accountable, the better we can do,” Hauser said.
The Celtics are looking at the 2026-27 campaign with a clear edge.
