Celtics finally lock down Dillon Mitchell as final roster battle takes shape

The Boston Celtics have signed Dillon Mitchell to a two-way deal. There was considerable consternation about him returning to St. John's for another year with Rick Pitino. Instead, the team's 2026 second-round selection has put pen to paper to officially enter the professional ranks.

While the Celtics could have retained Mitchell's draft rights, it's far more advantageous to bring him on board now. He has already started reaping the rewards of working with an elite player development program.

At Summer League, he demonstrated encouraging growth as a shooter. The root of that was applying the coaching staff's advice to release the ball on the way up.

Mitchell was among the best perimeter defenders in college last season. No matter who he's sharing the floor with, his athleticism stands out. To already start improving as a shooter, the biggest concern about his game, suggests this is someone who could one day be a meaningful part of Boston's rotation.

It's also a testament to the character and work ethic the Celtics are betting on. A former team captain with the Red Storm, the rookie wing has the drive to excel within the infrastructure he just committed to. Fueling that are a blend of passion and determination that came across in an exclusive interview Mitchell did with Hardwood Houdini at Summer League.

Dillon Mitchell secures spot in Celtics' crowded two-way roster battle

Theoretically, Boston could part ways with the six-foot-eight wing at any moment. However, that's highly unlikely. Instead, barring a caveat like an injury, he figures to hold on to his newly secured two-way roster spot.

If anything, at some point, whether it's at the end of training camp or, more likely -- if it happens -- during the season, he could graduate to a standard contract.

With John Tonje signing with the Portland Trail Blazers after Summer League, there are two clear favorites to join Mitchell and win the battle for two-way roster spots with the Celtics.

One is Amari Williams. He is already inked to a deal of that nature. And while there were some concerns about his standing leaving Las Vegas, perhaps the most important development for him was a greater sense of confidence on the court.

The seven-foot center was more vocal and didn't shy from confrontation. If that leads to operating more assertively, it could change his career trajectory.

The Nottingham, England, native brings size, strength, mobility, and impressive abilities as a facilitator. If he taps into a more aggressive approach, it could elevate his impact defensively, on the glass, and as a screener. That's crucial to him either sticking in Boston or finding another NBA home.

And while an external addition could join Mitchell and Williams on two-way deals with the Celtics, if any individual should be considered the favorite for it at the moment, it's Milos Uzan.

What the former Houston Cougar showed with the Sin City C's is that he can run the offense, take care of the ball, and he's a good defender. It makes sense for Boston to keep another guard on its roster. Uzan made a compelling case for why it should be him.

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