The Celtics officially signed their second of two 2026 NBA Draft picks on Wednesday, ending speculation that he could return to college this fall.
Second-round selection Dillon Mitchell signed a two-way contract that will allow him to split time between Boston and the Celtics’ G League affiliate in Maine.
Mitchell, a 6-foot-8 wing known for his athleticism and perimeter defense, played two collegiate seasons at Texas and one each at Cincinnati and St. John’s. His eligibility was exhausted when he declared for the NBA draft this spring, but the announcement of the NCAA’s new 5-in-5 framework — which will allow college athletes to play five seasons, provided they complete those within five years — has prompted some players in that position to pursue an additional year.
On Monday, college basketball reporter Adam Zagoria reported that Mitchell returning for another season with St. John’s was “being considered.” It’s unclear whether the 22-year-old would have been permitted to do so after being drafted and appearing in games for the Celtics’ Summer League team. His signing makes that debate moot.
Mitchell impressed for Boston’s summer squad in Las Vegas, averaging 13.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.3 blocks and a team-high 2.7 steals over three appearances. His 24-point, eight-board, six-steal, two-block outing against Charlotte was one of the best individual performances by any Celtics player in the tournament.
“When he’s playing with that kind of pop, he’s going to be really good,” Summer League head coach Amile Jefferson said.
Mitchell also showed improvement as a shooter, which was his biggest red flag entering the draft. He went 3-for-8 from 3-point range in Vegas, tripling the total number of threes he made for the Red Storm last season (1-for-15).
Celtics vice president of basketball operations Mike Zarren said the team coveted Mitchell despite his shooting concerns, even considering trading up for him before taking him with the 40th overall pick. On draft night, Zarren called Mitchell “one of the best perimeter defenders in college basketball.”
“He’s still a prospect, he’s got some work to do, and his athleticism and leaping abilities are really, really impressive, in addition to his defensive instincts,” Zarren said.
The Celtics now have filled two of their three two-way contract slots, with second-year center Amari Williams occupying the other. First-round pick Chris Cenac Jr., a 19-year-old big man out of Houston, is on Boston’s 15-man roster after signing a standard NBA contract.