Story perspectives

Celtics Draft Dillon Mitchell, First St. John’s Trio Since ’83

6/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Boston Celtics selected forward Dillon Mitchell with the 40th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Mitchell, a 6-foot-8 wing from St. John’s noted for “non-existent” shooting, joins alumni Zuby Ejiofor (first round) and Bryce Hopkins (49th) as first trio drafted from the school since 1983.
Boston also selected Jordan Walsh and Hugo Gonzalez in the second round, while ACC contributed 12 players—the most since 2019—including Duke’s No. 3 pick Cameron Boozer.

History

Historical Context

The 2019 NBA draft on June 20, 2019 used a new weighted lottery that gave the three worst teams a 14 percent chance each and handed the first pick to the New Orleans Pelicans, who selected Duke forward Zion Williamson. His selection joined fellow Duke freshmen R.J. Barrett and Cam Reddish in the top ten, illustrating the league’s growing habit of drafting multiple players from a single college.

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Story summary

The Boston Celtics selected forward Dillon Mitchell with the 40th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Mitchell, a 6-foot-8 wing from St. John’s noted for “non-existent” shooting, joins alumni Zuby Ejiofor (first round) and Bryce Hopkins (49th) as first trio drafted from the school since 1983.
Boston also selected Jordan Walsh and Hugo Gonzalez in the second round, while ACC contributed 12 players—the most since 2019—including Duke’s No. 3 pick Cameron Boozer.

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