The Boston Celtics have selected St. John’s forward Dillon Mitchell with the 40th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The move adds a high-upside, defensive-minded wing to the roster, capping a long-term scouting effort by the front office that began in 2022.
Mitchell’s primary value is on the defensive end. Standing 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, he possesses the physical tools to guard multiple positions and disrupt offenses. His athleticism was evident throughout his college career, which included stops at Texas and Cincinnati before landing at St. John’s. In his final season under Rick Pitino, he earned a spot on the Big East All-Defensive team, averaging 8.3 points, seven rebounds, and three assists per game.
His offensive game remains a significant project. Mitchell converted only one of his 15 three-point attempts during his senior year and shot just 48.8 percent from the free-throw line over his college career. Boston’s player development staff will be tasked with rebuilding his shooting mechanics. A front office source commented on the development plan, saying: “Reenable Personalization”. For a contending team like the Celtics, a second-round contract offers a low-cost opportunity to invest in his development without compromising the current roster.
For now, Mitchell provides an immediate injection of energy, rebounding, and defensive versatility. The Celtics have prioritized length and athleticism in recent drafts, and the selection of Mitchell is consistent with that strategy. The organization is betting that his defensive foundation and physical profile provide enough upside to warrant the long-term offensive work required.
