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Celtics Take Defensive Wing Dillon Mitchell at No. 40

The pick supplies Boston with a versatile, high-motor perimeter defender who is likely to begin on a developmental or two-way path as he rebuilds a weak outside and free-throw stroke.

Overview

  • The Celtics used the 40th overall pick on Thursday to select Dillon Mitchell, a 6-foot-7 wing who finished his college career at St. John’s after stops at Texas and Cincinnati.
  • Mitchell averaged about 8 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists last season and is listed at roughly 6'7" and 193 pounds with a roughly 6'10" wingspan.
  • Scouts and team coverage emphasize his defensive value, citing strong on-ball defense, rebounding, backdoor cutting and the motor that projects to immediate situational impact.
  • Significant offensive limitations cloud his ceiling: he made just one of 15 three-point attempts last season and converted roughly 48–49 percent of career free throws, which makes shooting development a priority.
  • Boston has not announced a contract plan but coverage frames Mitchell as a likely developmental or two-way candidate, a pick that follows the team’s earlier first-round selection of Chris Cenac Jr. and points to a draft focus on length and defense.