The Boston Celtics selected forward Dillion Mitchell from St. John’s in the second round of the NBA Draft Wednesday night.
Mitchell, a 6-foot-8 senior forward, went 40th overall.
He played at Texas, Cincinnati and St. John’s in college. He’s an aggressive defender who was named to the Big East All-Defensive team in his senior season. But he isn’t a big-time scorer, which may make it difficult for him to compete for a roster spot next season.
Dillon Mitchell at Capital One Arena on March 27, 2026 in Washington, DC.
Mitchell Layton / Getty Images
Mitchell played in 37 games at St. John’s. He averaged 8.3 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists a game.
“He’s still a prospect he’s got some work to do but man his athleticism and leaping abilities are really, really impressive in addition to his defensive instincts. He’s got a hell of a future ahead of him,” Celtics’ vice president of basketball operations Mike Zarren told reporters Wednesday night.
Mitchell, 22, is from Tampa, Florida. He was a McDonald’s All-American in high school in 2022.
CBS Sports NBA writer Cameron Salerno graded the Celtics pick as a “B.”
“Mitchell, after four years of college, can be a plug-and-play defender at the NBA level. His shot is a work in progress, however,” Salerno said.
The Celtics chose 19-year-old Chris Cenac Jr., a freshman out of Houston, with the 27th pick of the NBA Draft Tuesday.
The Associated Press
contributed to this report.
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