Overview
- U.S. District Judge Charlotte Sweeney granted a preliminary injunction on Monday that restores a fifth year of NCAA eligibility to players who graduated high school in 2022.
- Sources reported on Monday that Dillon Mitchell, the Celtics' 40th pick who posted strong Las Vegas Summer League numbers, is being considered for a return to St. John's for that extra season.
- If Mitchell or other unsigned second-round picks choose to go back to school, their NBA teams would keep their draft rights, effectively creating a domestic draft-and-stash option.
- Reports identify Richie Saunders, Braden Smith, Tyler Nickel, and Lajae Jones as other recently drafted players who may now be eligible, and college programs such as St. John's are weighing open roster spots and contact with candidates like Keyshawn Hall.
- The injunction is temporary and likely to be appealed, so teams and players face short-term uncertainty as they balance development, roster plans, and the financial trade-offs versus two-way or G League routes.