Inside the mindset driving Celtics rookie Dillon Mitchell: 'Willing to die for it'

Las Vegas -- On night two of the NBA Draft, the Boston Celtics thought they might have to move up to get Dillon Mitchell. They were ecstatic to see the board break in their favor, realizing they could come away with their desired target without needing to do so.

The reasons they wanted the former St. John's standout have been made crystal clear at Summer League.

Before diving into those, it's essential to understand thfe mindset that fuels him. It's a mentality that came across crystal clear in a conversation with Hardwood Houdini after the Sin City C's practice a day before their final tilt in the desert. It's an ambition and a drive documented in Mitchell's message to Celtics fans about who's coming to Boston.

"Just an energy guy who's going to come in and learn and be the best player he could be and try to hang a banner one day," he voiced, exuding a mixture of enthusiasm and determination.

"Just ready to come in and just be a sponge and learn, and just literally play my heart out on that court. Willing to die for it at the end of the day. Just being the best player I could be. Just really playing for the name on the front of the jersey."

What Dillon Mitchell discovered on his journey to the Celtics 

The Florida native's collegiate voyage began with two years at Texas. After that, he took his talents to Cincinnati for a season and then played for Rick Pitino at St. John's.

What did having to repeatedly start over and not only prove himself but find ways to grow teach Mitchell about himself?

"Being able to adapt, and then honestly, just being a team player, team role, team leader, captain, whatever the case is," he told Hardwood Houdini.

"Every year, it felt like a different role in a way. No matter if it was leadership, no matter if it was on the court, off the court, it always felt a little bit different wherever I went. But I learned to do whatever the coach needs me to do, and do whatever it takes to help the team win, and adapt and be a leader."

It speaks volumes about the former McDonald's All-American that he was a team captain in his lone year with the Red Storm. It was a season that produced his favorite basketball memory -- at least before living out his dream of hearing his name called at the NBA Draft.

Molded by a legend: Dillon Mitchell reflects on playing for Rick Pitino

Along with his leadership, the six-foot-eight wing was one of the nation's best perimeter defenders. In a testament to his selfless approach and Pitino's ability to cultivate talent, the Celtics' second-round pick evolved as a passer. He blossomed into a player who could make plays for his teammates. It speaks to someone with the competitive character of a winner.

A moment when that was on full display made for a memory that he'll never forget.

"Being at St. John's last year, winning the Big East Championship at MSG, with the home crowd and everything, I think that was really fun."

With the Queens-based University's fan base showing up in full force at the World's Most Famous Arena, he described the atmosphere that night as "unreal."

The Rick Pitino gesture Dillon Mitchell will remember forever

The Celtics' rookie describes his fashion sense as "mainly comfy. A lot of baggy clothes, stuff like that. But as long as I'm comfortable, I'm good. I don't care what I'm wearing."

Then, there's Pitino, a Hall of Fame head coach with a reputation for being a sharp dresser.

At St. John's, he's known for patrolling the sideline in a trademark white suit. It's an attire he leverages to spark a balance of levity and enthusiasm from his team before tip-off.

"He kept saying he wasn't going to wear the white suit," shared Mitchell, with a laugh. "Usually, before the games, we're waiting in the locker room for him to come out of his office and come talk to us. And he came walking in all fly with the white suit. He kind of looked at us, and we all knew he was gonna wear it. So, that was a real funny moment," the former captain recalled fondly.

However, while that made for a moment appreciated by the locker room, there was also an act away from the basketball court that Mitchell will always cherish.

"Taking the seniors to Miami meant a lot, just because of the relationship we had with him, and we had a great year, even though we fell short," expressed the Red Storm's former star, with gratitude in his voice. "Just the personal relationships we have with him. Him taking the seniors out to Miami to spend some time with him for a couple of days -- that meant a lot. That was one of my favorite moments as well."

It was an unforgettable way to cap his time with Pitino before heading off to the NBA.

Celtics' rookie Dillon Mitchell already living up to the defensive hype

Now on a business trip, at Summer League, even on a floor with top prospects, NBA players maturing into veterans, and those fighting for a roster spot, the 22-year-old's athleticism stands out.

Between his explosiveness, a 6-foot-10.5 inch wingspan, and sharp defensive instincts, he has the tools to be a disruptive force.

Mitchell leads the Sin City C's in steals, swiping eight in three games. He had six in Boston's win over the Charlotte Hornets. Averaging 2.7 per contest, he ranks in the top eight in that category among those who have appeared in more than one competition here in Vegas.

Dillon Mitchell already making good on Mike Zarren's declaration

As for the other side of the ball, the night the Celtics made him the No. 40 overall pick, their vice president of basketball operations, Mike Zarren, bluntly stated, "He can be successful even when he's not shooting the ball, but he'll get better at his shot. We don't have any doubt about that."

An elite player development program is already helping assuage concerns about that part of his game. Specifically, they've emphasized releasing the ball on the way up. That has played a pivotal part in his converting on 37.5 percent of the 2.7 three-point attempts he's hoisting.

The organization must also love that he's launching them without hesitation. In his year with the Red Storm, he went 1/15 from beyond the arc. At Summer League, Mitchell has already taken eight triples, knocking down three.

Beyond that, he has made plays off the bounce and demonstrated how he can help his team win on the margins. Mitchell has already grabbed 12 offensive rebounds in his three appearances. He snagged seven against Charlotte. That ability to generate extra possessions is a crucial part of the role he will have at the professional level.

An off-court glimpse into Celtics rookie Dillon Mitchell

Growing up, the Tampa native tried his hand at an array of sports -- wouldn't you if you had his athleticism?

"Oh, pretty much everything," began Mitchell when asked about what sports he played besides basketball. "Soccer, baseball, mainly football, especially being in Florida. Florida's big on football, but it got a little too hot, especially the turf."

During his time on the gridiron, which he cites as his best sport besides basketball, he was both a wide receiver and a cheat code for his quarterback.

"Just go long. Throw it up. I was taller than everybody [and] I could jump higher than everybody."

Like his love of sports, his music taste is diverse.

"Big on Zach Bryan," shared Mitchell. "I like a lot of Zach Bryan's music. I can switch it up. Kind of versatile, but I say Zach Bryan, Lil Durk, [and] Rod Wave. So, it's all -- I'm kind of all over the place."

As for TV shows, he lists Breaking Bad and Scandal as two of his all-time favorites.

"I'm a big show guy," conveyed Mitchell. "I like movies. I like to come home from practice and just rot on the couch some days and just watch a TV show."

As for his favorite food, he's coming to the right city. Mitchell cited a love of Italian cuisine. He has already received restaurant recommendations. The rookie was excited to learn about Boston's North End.

"I keep hearing, like every time I say it, everybody's like, "You gotta get to North End, so I get there soon."

This author anticipates he and his fiancée will make good on that declaration.

It's another example of the passion Mitchell carries himself with; it's a part of a high-character package from a collegiate captain. Like the Celtics' first-round pick, Chris Cenac Jr., it's why the Celtics are betting on what an athlete and a person of Mitchell's caliber can accomplish within their infrastructure. The early returns from Summer League are a positive indication of what direction their wager is heading in.

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