With the No. 40 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the Boston Celtics have selected St. John's forward Dillon Mitchell.
A four-year college player, Mitchell spent two years at Texas and one at Cincinnati before joining the Red Storm for his final collegiate campaign.
In his senior year, Mitchell averaged 8.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.7 blocks. He shot 55.9% from the field.
At the NBA combine, Mitchell measured in at 6-foot-6.75 and 202.2 lbs. He has a 6-foot-10.5 wingspan.
BSJ Analysis
This is a very intriguing selection. I personally would have rather seen Boston take a guard at No. 40, especially with the likes of Emmanuel Sharp and Jaden Bradley available.
However, the potential is there with Mitchell.
He's an elite defensive player, racking up stocks in college and sprinting around on that end of the court. His motor and defensive intensity are ready for the NBA right now.
His playmaking took a step up in his final college season, and he's been a good rebounder throughout college.
The catch? Mitchell cannot shoot. He's a non-3-point threat. In his final season, he shot just 1-of-15 from deep range.
Everything else is there. The body. The defense. The motor. The hustle. The passing. He's got it. Just no shot.
Maybe the Celtics can help him find his shot. But even if they can't, they just drafted an NBA-ready defender who has all the tools to help them on that end.
Not exactly what I envisioned for Boston at No. 40, but an interesting selection nonetheless.