​The Boston Celtics returned to action on Sunday for their second game of the 2026 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, improving to 2-0 with a comfortable 87-75 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. The standout performance came from second-round rookie Dillon Mitchell, who showcased the athleticism and defensive versatility that could persuade both the Celtics and their fans that they may have uncovered another draft steal. Mitchell exploded for a team-high 24 points in 28 minutes, shooting 10-for-20 from the floor and cashing in two three-pointers. The 22-year-old also hauled in eight rebounds, including an impressive seven on the offensive glass, while adding two assists. His impact extended to the defensive end as well, where he piled up six steals and two blocks, including a highlight-reel rejection early in the third quarter.
It was a notable bounce-back performance after Mitchell managed just four points in Boston’s Summer League opener against the Toronto Raptors two days earlier. Even then, his defensive potential was on full display, highlighted by two steals and two blocks. “We’re just working on the jump shot and being confident in it,” Mitchell said after the Hornets game. “Kalkbrenner was guarding me, and he was just playing off. So they’re looking at me every time, like, bro, shoot the ball.”
While his offensive game is still developing, Mitchell’s defensive versatility could be the quickest route to NBA minutes. Standing 6-foot-8 with elite athleticism, the rookie has already totaled eight steals and four blocks through his first two Summer League appearances, underscoring the disruptive two-way presence Boston could value.
In addition to Mitchell, John Tonje contributed 17 points and five rebounds, while Hugo González continued to struggle with his shot, finishing 3-for-10 from the field but still filling the stat sheet with 14 points, four rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block. Meanwhile, 2025 second-round pick Amari Williams cooled after a dominant opener, tallying six points, five rebounds, three assists, and four blocks.
Mitchell arrives in the NBA after a four-year college career that included stops at Texas, Cincinnati, and St. John’s. In his final season, he helped Rick Pitino guide St. John’s to a historic Sweet Sixteen appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Across 37 games, including 25 starts, Mitchell averaged 8.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.2 steals while shooting an efficient 55.9% from the field.
Perimeter shooting remains the biggest question mark in his game. He made just one of his 15 three-point attempts during his senior season and finished his college career 11-for-57 from beyond the arc across 114 games. Even so, Mitchell’s all-around impact earned him Third Team All-Big East and a spot on the Big East All-Defensive Team, underscoring the kind of upside that could make him a valuable two-way contributor for Boston as he continues to refine his jumper.