​For an NBA rookie fresh off the college scene, a prep program, or overseas hoops, life can accelerate in a hurry. That reality hit home for new Boston forward Dillon Mitchell as he began settling into life with the Celtics after being selected 40th overall in the 2026 NBA Draft out of St. John’s. The Tampa, Florida native opened up about the abrupt transition from NCAA competition to the professional ranks as he helped the Sin City Celtics secure a win against the Summer Toronto Raptors in Boston’s opening game of the NBA’s Nevada-based exhibition slate. “Fast, but just enjoying it,” Mitchell told CLNS Media when asked about the past few weeks. “You go through 16 workouts during the pre-draft process. You get a call, and you’re on your way to Boston, and it’s straight to work.”
In New York on draft night, June 24, 2026, Mitchell was selected 40th overall by the Boston Celtics in the second round at Barclays Center. The Getty Images caption accompanying the moment notes the terms of use for the photograph, with Caleb Bowlin credited as the photographer. “So it was pretty fast, but I’ve just been loving it,” Mitchell said, reflecting on his first days with the Celtics. “You can’t complain. You’re grateful, blessed to be here, and you keep working every day.”
Regarding his immediate role with the Summer Celtics, Mitchell has already begun prioritizing team integration. “I think playing together, learning how to play together still,” he explained. “We’re all still new. We only had about a week of trying to get together. But I think the biggest thing for us is competing. We went down yesterday and we kept fighting, kept guarding until our offense could catch up. So I think going out there and competing and being together, I think that’s the biggest thing for us.”
Mitchell’s mindset remains firmly focused on the path ahead. The rookie has emphasized that the key for him is growth through collaboration and consistent work, echoing a broader Celtics emphasis on collective development during a period of early-season adjustment. As he continues to acclimate to the professional pace and the Boston system, Mitchell remains grounded in gratitude and a readiness to contribute wherever he’s asked.
For those following his journey, Mitchell’s early remarks suggest a player who understands the pace and the grind of NBA life, while maintaining an earnest commitment to improving his game and building chemistry with his new teammates. With the summer schedule serving as a proving ground, his trajectory will be watched closely by fans hoping to see a young talent emerge from a mid-round draft position into a meaningful contributor for the Celtics.
This rewritten piece was adapted to emphasize Mitchell’s transition from college to the NBA, his immediate experiences with the Celtics, and his outlook for growing within the team’s system. It retains the core quotes and thematic elements of perseverance, gratitude, and focus on team cohesion.