Boston Celtics fans seemingly got some important news regarding Dillon Mitchell’s future on Tuesday. The NCAA released a statement in response to Colorado Judge Charlotte Sweeney’s ruling to grant a fifth year of collegiate eligibility to athletes who have graduated high school in the last five years, including Mitchell.
In part, the statement read:
“As a general matter, individuals who leave college sports to pursue professional opportunities are ineligible to return. Schools seeking to roster such players are expected to comply with NCAA rules.”
The NCAA has sent the following message to its members. pic.twitter.com/Sp1CDoe9jF
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) August 4, 2026
Mitchell, who entered this year’s NBA Draft after his senior season at St. John’s should fall under the umbrella of "pursuing professional opportunities.” The only loophole would be that he technically hasn’t signed a contract with the Celtics.
This entire storyline grew legs when New York Times and Forbes contributor Adam Zagoria reported that Mitchell returning to St. John’s for a fifth season was “under consideration” in the wake of the five-year blanket ruling.
Dillon Mitchell returning to St. John's is being considered, per source.
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) August 3, 2026
I'm told they have one roster spot available and have also been in contact with Keyshawn Hall. https://t.co/8nYAgD122u
Mitchell would be better served, fincially, to return to college
It would be extremely disappointing if Mitchell were to leave the Celtics to return to college. The 22-year-old just had an impressive run with Boston’s Summer League team in Las Vegas where he showed plenty of promise as a contributing player somewhere down the line. It’s early days still, but it seems like this could be a huge hit of a pick for Brad Stevens and the Cs’ front office.
With the way that today’s NBA is set up and the financial penalties that accompany the CBA, finding players who can make an impact on team-friendly contracts, like the one Mitchell would hypothetically be on, is extremely important.
Though, that’s the very reason why a return to college makes sense. As of Wednesday, the Celtics sit $1.7 million below the luxury tax threshold -- a line they likely won’t cross this season as they try to reset the repeater penalties. They could technically award the rookie wing the 15th roster spot with a salary worth up to that figure and be fine.
Whatever NIL deal St. John’s is able to offer likely has Boston’s contract beat. Even if the wage is competitive, there’s no chance that Mitchell would see as much playing time or as prominent of a role as he would in a return to college.
The bulk of his hypothetical minutes with the Celtics would come with the G-League affiliate in Maine. At that point, why not just go back to New York City?
Thankfully, it seems the answer is going to be “because the NCAA won’t allow it.”
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