Celtics Draft Dillon Mitchell as 40th Pick; 3‑Point Breakthrough in Summer League

The Boston Celtics surprised many observers when they selected St. John’s forward Dillon Mitchell with the 40th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The organization described Mitchell as a disruptive defender, a label that contrasts sharply with the way most draft analysts viewed his offensive game.

Draft Day Surprises

Mitchell’s college career featured a shooting percentage that raised eyebrows—only 6.7 percent from three‑point range during his final season with the Red Storm. That stat helped cement his reputation as a poor shooter, making the Celtics’ decision feel unconventional at the time.

Team officials have highlighted Mitchell’s defensive versatility as a key reason for the selection. The hope is that his ability to disrupt plays will complement Boston’s existing defensive schemes, even if his offense remains a work in progress.

Summer League Shooting Leap

During a Las Vegas Summer League victory over the Charlotte Hornets’ summer squad, Mitchell displayed a markedly different approach to the three‑point line. He connected on 2 of 5 attempts from deep, a performance that immediately drew attention.

He credited the improvement to focused work with assistant coach Craig Luschenat on his jump shot and confidence. “The work that we’ve been putting in, especially with (assistant Celtics) coach Craig (Luschenat), working on the jump shot and being confident in it,” he explained via CLNS Media.

Mitchell’s confidence grew after Hornets big man Ryan Kalkbrenner was stationed on him. “(Hornets big man Ryan) Kalkbrenner was guarding me, and he was just playing off me as a reputed non‑shooter, so they’re looking at me every time, like, ‘Bro, just shoot the ball.’”

He added, “So, I shot maybe half as many 3s … today than (I did) the whole (of last) season … going out there and playing confident – especially hearing their confidence in me to just shoot the ball in (helped).”

• Draft Position: 40th overall by Boston
• College 3P%: 6.7 % (St. John’s)
• Summer League 3P%: 40 % (2‑of‑5)
• Key Coach: Assistant Craig Luschenat

The Celtics’ front office remains optimistic that Mitchell’s defensive instincts will translate to the professional level, even as his three‑point shooting continues to evolve. Summer league work suggests a budding confidence that could reshape his offensive role.

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If the trend seen in Las Vegas continues, Mitchell could become an unexpected three‑point threat, giving the Celtics another wing who can stretch defenses. Fans will watch closely to see whether the confidence displayed this summer turns into a reliable part of his game.