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Celtics Take Defender Dillon Mitchell With No. 40 Pick

Boston chose a long, elite perimeter defender as a developmental project with his shooting as the decisive factor for earning NBA minutes.

Overview

  • Dillon Mitchell was selected by the Boston Celtics at No. 40 in the 2026 NBA Draft on Thursday, June 25, 2026.
  • The 6-foot-7 wing finished his college career at St. John’s after stops at Texas and Cincinnati and earned All-Big East Third Team and All-Defensive honors.
  • Celtics vice president Mike Zarren, who scouted Mitchell for years, praised his athleticism, length and perimeter defense as the primary reasons Boston made the pick.
  • Mitchell’s offensive limitations define his outlook: he took almost no 3-pointers last season and has a career free-throw rate under 50 percent, so improving his shooting will determine whether he lands a two-way deal or a roster spot.
  • Boston’s draft approach favored long, high-effort projects this year and Mitchell is expected to enter Summer League and training-camp evaluation as a scouting-driven developmental piece whose short-term role is uncertain.