Former Michigan State Spartans power forward Joey Hauser is making a comeback as an assistant coach for the Brooklyn Nets' Summer League team. It will be his second role outside of his playing career.
A familiar face has emerged as Brooklyn Nets latest hire.
Former Michigan State basketball player Joey Hauser will be the Nets’ assistant coach for their Summer League team.
According to Andrew Brewster of the Spartans Wire, the former NBA power forward will make his debut for Brooklyn’s coaching staff in the Summer League. During the last year, he spent some time as the Nets’ video assistant.
However, the latest transition marks another step in what has quickly become a promising transition from player to coach.
Joey Hauser’s NBA Career Never Took Off
Hauser’s playing career never fully took off at the NBA level despite he entered the league with a reputation as one of college basketball’s better shooters. He went undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft. However, the Wisconsin-born player signed with the Utah Jazz for a two-way contract.
The Jazz waived him in October of the same year. Hauser then signed with the Los Angeles Clippers, and he was waived just the next day. Though he later joined the Ontario Clippers, he couldn't quite bounce back to his full potential before finally stepping away from the court as a player.
The former Spartans standout had appeared poised for a path similar to his older brother, Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser.
Joey shot 46 percent from three during his final season at Michigan State and looked like the type of floor-spacing forward NBA teams constantly search for. But while Sam successfully became a role of an elite shooter in Boston, Joey struggled to consistently translate that shooting to the professional level.
Instead of continuing to chase roster spots, Hauser pivoted toward coaching and player development. That decision now appears to be paying off.
Hauser joined Brooklyn’s staff last July as a video assistant, giving him an immediate entry point into the coaching side of the NBA. Summer League will now offer him a larger role on the sidelines while working directly with young prospects and developmental players.
Hauser Brothers Transitioned Beyond Their Player Roles
Off the court, Hauser also stayed connected to basketball through the “On the Haus” podcast alongside Sam, where the brothers discussed NBA life, player development and the challenges of professional basketball.
“The G League is always a grind, no matter where you are, so just trying to battle through it, it’s staying ready for your opportunity, and keep trying. Learning how to balance life and basketball,” Hauser said during his conversation with the Boston Sports Journal last year. “You gotta find a happy medium when you're away from basketball to find other things to keep you occupied- starting a podcast; we just have fun with that.”
Now, Hauser’s basketball journey is entering a completely different chapter, and the Nets clearly believe he has a future in it.
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