​LAS VEGAS — Dillon Mitchell slid into the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft largely due to questions about his jump shot. The St. John’s wing managed to convert only a single 3-pointer during his senior season (1-for-15 from beyond the arc) and he never shot above 50 percent from the free-throw line. Despite those red flags, Boston drafted him with the No. 40 pick, drawn by a well-rounded skill set that the Celtics believed could translate to their system.
“We’ve seen that he’s long, he can move,” Celtics vice president of basketball operations Mike Zarren said on draft night. “What stood out this year was how much his passing ability improved on offense. He’s still a prospect who has work to do, but his athleticism and leaping ability are really impressive, on top of his defensive instincts. He’s got a hell of a future ahead of him.”
The Celtics have a track record of developing players who aren’t fully proven shooters, and early moments with Mitchell hinted at a successful trajectory. In Boston’s 87-75 victory over the Charlotte Hornets, the 6-foot-8 forward contributed in multiple facets, including knocking down 2 of his 5 three-pointers. He finished with a game-high 24 points, plus 8 rebounds, 6 steals, and 2 blocks, helping the Celtics extend their winning streak to two games.
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Mitchell’s defensive impact and rebounding instincts—garnered with seven offensive boards—came as no surprise and have been complemented by a growing willingness to shoot. When asked about his coaches’ instruction, Mitchell said, “Just shoot the ball. Just go out there and play with confidence, especially hearing their trust in me to shoot. I know they’re going to crash for offensive rebounds.”
The rookie is expected to sign a two-way contract with Boston this summer, a development that fits with the team’s tall, versatile wing rotation. That rotation remains robust even after the Celtics traded away Jaylen Brown, and Mitchell’s blend of length, athleticism, and rebounding instincts makes him an appealing option, particularly given his potential on the glass.
“Today he was so alive,” Summer League coach Amile Jefferson observed. “He played with tremendous energy, crashing the boards every time. He had several near-tip dunks, and when he plays with that kind of pop, he’s going to be really good.”
Whether Mitchell’s shooting mark was an aberration or a sign of improvement remains to be seen, but Jefferson liked what he saw in his shooting discipline as well. “Any time he gets an open three, he should shoot it,” Jefferson noted. “And he did today, with confidence.”
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